Overview

• Essex, 35, meets Portuguese influencer Numeiro at Manchester's AO Arena tonight, with his bout slated for around 9pm local time on the Misfits 22 bill.
• Trainer Tony Sims has been blocked from working Essex's corner, with former world champion Darren Barker expected to step in, according to the Mirror.
• Essex has showcased a significant physique change after months of training and says the fight is a chance to present a more serious side of himself.
• At the weigh-in, Numeiro wore briefs featuring Essex’s face in a stunt that drew a sharp response and a knockout vow from the reality-TV star.
• Event coverage is available on DAZN pay-per-view, and Numeiro enters with one professional bout on his record, as reported by the Mirror.