Dapper Laughs vs Joey Essex Misfits Boxing struggle ends in controversial draw

Comedian Dapper Laughs was denied victory over Joey Essex as their Misfits Boxing fight was controversially scored a draw, with some fans questioning the judges’ scorecards after the bout.

Dapper Laughs was robbed of triumph over Joey Essex as their boxing bout was controversially ruled a draw.

Dapper – whose real name is Daniel O’Reilly – has been working to rebuild his reputation after being cancelled 16 years ago. He now travels the country performing stand-up comedy under his actual name and took this clash with Essex at just two weeks ‘ notice – chiefly to publicise his forthcoming film.

Both Dapper and Essex entered the ring with a single bout under their belts, with the former having stopped Simple Simon three years prior before stepping away from the influencer boxing circuit.

Essex, meanwhile, made his Misfits Boxing bow last year, defeating Numeiro on points in a brutal encounter. The reality TV personality, who has featured on TOWIE and Love Island, is the nephew of respected boxing coach Tony Sims and vowed to adopt a more calculated strategy for his ring return.

And while he wasn’t as reckless as he had been 12 months earlier , Essex found it difficult to stamp his authority in the opening round. Dapper, seemingly aware his conditioning would eventually cost him, appeared intent on taking the battle to the bookies’ choice and connected with the heavier blows.

Essex shrugged off his efforts but was caught by another right hand in the second round as Dapper sought to seize command. Dapper connected with another right hand in the third round as he attempted to drag the contest into a slugfest.

Essex fired back with an identical blow. However, Dapper drove the younger fighter back against the ropes with a right-left sequence.

Dapper seemed to be flagging as the round neared its end with Essex pressing forward.

Both competitors started the final session as though they recognised they had to catch the judges’ attention. Yet it was Dapper who enjoyed greater fortune with his right hand as he sought to upset the form book.

Essex tried to hit back but found himself retreating under a closing barrage as time ran out.

Dapper and his corner appeared more confident at the final bell, though both fighters had to accept a stalemate with the officials scoring the bout 37-39, 40-36 and 38-38.

Earlier on the card, Big Stacks, who brands himself the UK’s Hardest Man, defeated former West Ham defender James Collins on points. The Welshman had stepped in to replace bed salesman Thomas Skinner and appeared comfortable in the ring.

However, Stacks floored Collins in the third of four rounds, with the ex-footballer showing heart to regain his footing. In the end, two of the three officials awarded Stacks the victory.