Joey Essex reveals close call with Conor Benn in sparring session
Joey Essex has disclosed that Conor Benn “nearly put” him in hospital after a relentless sparring session, underscoring the intensity of training within the boxing world, reports BritPanorama.
The reality television star has been honing his skills at the Romford gym overseen by his uncle, Tony Sims, who is also preparing Benn for his upcoming world-title fight against Ryan Garcia.
Though Essex has ventured into boxing himself through Misfits Boxing, he was relatively inexperienced when he encountered Benn in the ring. The professional fighter exerted fierce pressure, showcasing little regard for their friendship or Essex’s lesser experience.
A barrage of powerful body shots left Essex gasping for air, prompting fears that he might need medical assistance. “I rang my uncle Tony and after the sparring, I did think I had to go hospital,” Essex recounted to The Sun. “I said to him out of breath I think I’m gonna like ps blood or whatever. No, he said to me you might ps blood. Right.”
Essex has since recovered and avoided hospitalization, continuing to pursue his boxing career with Sims’ guidance. He made his Misfits debut in August and looks ahead to his second fight scheduled for October.
Meanwhile, Benn faces a significant challenge as he prepares to fight Garcia for the WBC welterweight world title in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old enters the match as an underdog against the 28-year-old Garcia, who has emerged as a major figure in boxing.
Essex believes Benn’s determination could play a pivotal role, stating, “Ryan Garcia is a perfect person to fight in Conor’s situation for sure. Ryan’s probably the biggest say social media star in boxing, I would say, personally.”
With the intensity of their sparring session reflecting the tough preparation required in the sport, Essex’s experience serves as a reminder of the fine line between friendship and competition in boxing. As the stakes rise for Benn, the enthusiasm and support from his circle will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead.
