Joey Essex's Boxing Bloodline - Exploring the Misfits star's rich boxing family heritage

Joey Essex is set to embark upon his latest venture with Misfits boxing this weekend, but did you know the popular reality TV star actually heralds from a fabled fighting background?

The former TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) star will make his long-awaited boxing bow at Misfits 22 - Ring of Thrones in Manchester on Saturday night, taking on Portuguese influencer Numeiro.

The 35-year-old, who is currently more renowned for his television work rather than his fighting qualities, has long spoken about turning his hand to the 'sweet scienece' given his deep boxing lineage.

However, despite being publicly pictured undertaking sparring sessions alongside close friend Conor Benn, under the tutelage of uncle Tony Sims, he has, up until now, refrained from fully committing himself to the sport.

Essex has worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to his forthcoming bow though, undertaking twice daily sessions inside Sims' Romford boxing gym, honing his skills for what he has recently described as a life-changing career move.

Whilst it's been esteemed coach Sims who has kept a watchful eye over the popular Londoner in recent times, various other members of Essex's family possess a deep-rooted boxing background.

Find out more about each of them below...

Which members of Joey Essex's family have a boxing background?

Donny Essex (Father)

Former Boxer

Joey's father, Donny Essex, enjoyed a decent amateur boxing career, having initially found his love for the sport as a child.

"I thought my dad started boxing when he was 18, and that he fought for five years," Essex Jr told DAZN's On the Ground. "I didn't realise how into it he was. He started boxing at six."

It's also recently come to light that Donny actually undertook sparring sessions with brother-in-law Tony Sims (Joey's boxing coach) almost three decades ago.

Joey Essex's Grandfather

Former Boxer

Whilst little is known about Joey Essex's grandfather's true boxing pedigree, it appears to be pretty impressive.

The 35-year-old has recently revealed that his father's father fought for the navy during his long-spell serving in the British armed forces.

Speaking to DAZN in the build-up to Saturday night's Misfits X Series 22 event, he said: "I only found it out recently but my grandad boxed in the navy and he was a champion, so he must have been pretty handy!"

Joey Essex's Great-Grandfather

Former Boxer & Olympic Games Boxing Judge

Even less is known about Essex's great-grandfather's in-ring career, but nonetheless, he appears to have possessed a clear love for the 'sweet science'.

"I didn't know my family went back this far in boxing," Essex said recently. "It appears it all stemmed from my great-grandfather who was actually a judge at the Olympic Games.

"Without me undertaking this journey I wouldn't have ever known this, so it's incredible really, and I am just loving finding out more about past family members."

Tony Sims (Uncle)

Professional Boxing Coach

Tony Sims is one of the most revered professional boxing coaches on the planet, having worked with some of the biggest names in British boxing history, including Anthony Joshua.

The two-time heavyweight champion of the world enjoyed a long-spell with the Romford-based trainer earlier in his career, whilst he also helped propel former IBF middleweight title-holder Darren Barker to stardom.

Sims currently works with a plethora of domestic fighters, including Conor Benn and Johnny Fisher, whilst also overseeing the infancy of his nephew's career.

"I told Joey that I would help him in his journey, but I told him if he was going to mess around and not take it seriously, then don't bother," Sims told DAZN recently.

"But credit to him, he's put the hard yards in and has listened to everything I have said to him."

Peter Sims (Uncle)

Professional Boxing Coach/Cornerman

The brother of Tony, Peter Sims also possesses a vast boxing background having worked alongside his sibling in a coach capacity.

A former member of British boxing heavyweight behemoth Joshua's stable, Peter actually started his career in the sport as a cut-man, before turning his hand to coaching.

He, to this day, still works hand-in-hand with Tony, helping nurture the talents of a large number of upcoming domestic fighters.

Demi Sims (Cousin)

Misfits Boxer & TV Personality

Demi Sims is the younger cousin of Essex, and daughter of Tony Sims, who will also be making her professional boxing debut in Manchester this weekend.

Unlike Joey however, she has a far longer history in the sport, having trained professionally, without fighting, for over 12 months.

The 28-year-old, who has featured in more recent seasons of TOWIE, boasts a close relationship with her cousin, and admits she is as nervous for him as she is for herself as they edge ever nearer to stepping inside the ring for the first time on Saturday.

"It's weird, I am nervous for myself, but I feel equally as nervous for Joey too, we just can't let down our family's boxing name," she said this week.