Overview

• The 35-year-old prevailed over João “Numeiro” Barbosa after four rounds, with judges scoring it 37-37, 38-36 and 39-37.
• The fight unfolded at Manchester’s AO Arena on the Misfits 22 card and streamed globally on DAZN pay-per-view.
• Both men received standing counts in a back-and-forth slugfest, as Essex landed heavy rights and Barbosa rallied late.
• Essex entered the bout after a notable physique overhaul while preparing under his uncle, respected coach Tony Sims.
• Earlier, cousin Demi Sims won her debut on points, with the build-up marked by a weigh-in stunt and disputed reports of Barbosa’s prior record.