Dapper Laughs was denied victory over Joey Essex as their boxing fight was controversially scored a draw. The Misfits Boxing event returned to London on Saturday night with the reality TV star and the comedian headlining.
Fight details
Dapper - real name Daniel O'Reilly - has attempted to rehabilitate his image having been cancelled 16 years ago. He now tours the country doing stand-up comedy under his real name and accepted this fight with Essex on two weeks' notice - primarily to promote his upcoming film.
Both Dapper and Essex had one fight to their name ahead of meeting in the ring with the former stopping Simple Simon three years ago before retreating from the influencer boxing scene.
Essex's measured approach
Essex, meanwhile, made his Misfits Boxing debut last year, outpointing Numeiro in a slug-fest. The reality TV star, who has appeared on TOWIE and Love Island, is the nephew of renowned boxing trainer Tony Sims and promised a more measured approach on his return to the ring.
And while he was not as gung-ho as he was 12 months ago, Essex struggled to impose himself in the opening round. Dapper, perhaps accepting his fitness would ultimately let him down, looked determined to take the fight to the favourite and landed the bigger shots. Essex laughed off his attacks but was on the end of another right hand in the second session as Dapper looked to take control.
Final rounds and decision
Dapper landed another right hand in the third round as he looked to turn the fight into a brawl. Essex responded with the same shot. But Dapper pushed the younger man back towards the ropes with a right-left combination. Dapper appeared to be tiring as the round drew to a close as Essex marched forwards.
Both men began the final session as if they knew they needed to impress the judges. But it was Dapper who had more success with his right hand as he looked to defy the odds. Essex attempted to respond but it was he who was forced backwards under a final assault as the seconds ticked away.
Dapper and his team were the more expectant at the final bell but both men had to settle for a share of the spoils with the judges scoring the fight 37-39, 40-36 and 38-38.
Earlier on the card
Earlier in the night, Big Stacks, who calls himself the UK's Hardest Man, outpointed former West Ham defender James Collins. The Welshman had stepped in to replace bed salesman Thomas Skinner and did not look out of place.
But Stacks dropped Collins in the third of four rounds with the ex-footballer doing well to get back to his feet. Ultimately, two of the three judges gave Stacks the nod.
