Joey Essex wants to use younger brother Deji as his ticket to secure a KSI showdown

Joey Essex is hoping to secure a fight against KSI by first knocking out his younger brother, Deji. The reality TV star believes a victory over the YouTuber could help him earn a major crossover boxing match. Essex is preparing to face comedian Dapper Laughs at the Copper Box Arena in London on October 10.KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams, has not fought since losing to Tommy Fury in October 2023. Essex believes a potential victory over Deji could encourage the Misfits Boxing co-founder to return to the ring. However, the proposed fight remains an ambition rather than a confirmed contest.Joey Essex wants to fight KSI after facing DejiJoey Essex is confident that he can make a name for himself in crossover boxing. The 36-year-old wants to face Deji before pursuing a potential fight against KSI. He believes knocking out the younger Olatunji brother would strengthen his case for a showdown with the YouTube star.Speaking about his ambitions, Essex told SunSport, “Everyone wants to fight Joey Essex. That’s what I’m starting to feel like. If I was to go out there and KO KSI’s little brother, then there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be fighting KSI.”“Maybe that’s when he’ll step back in the ring. My aim is to fight the very best. Because they’re the exciting fights. Everyone wants to see that. Imagine, Joey Essex vs Jake Paul. Joey Essex vs KSI. Joey Essex vs Tommy Fury. Joey Essex vs Deji. It’s brilliant. I think they’re the fights people are going to want to see. And they’re the fights I want to do”, he said.Essex made his boxing debut in August 2025. He defeated Portuguese influencer Numeiro in his first professional crossover boxing contest. The victory gave him a positive start as he looked to establish himself in the sport.The reality TV personality has since signed a lucrative four-fight deal with Misfits Boxing. He hopes to compete approximately once every six months. His long-term ambition is to become one of the leading names in celebrity boxing.Essex also believes his popularity could help him compete with established crossover fighters. However, he recognises that several of his potential opponents have more experience inside the ring.He said, “Some of these top crossover boxers, my name is bigger than them. They’ve just had more experience in boxing than me and just been in the game a bit longer. But once I’ve been in this game for a couple of years, who’s going to be the king?”KSI remains one of the biggest names in crossover boxing. He co-founded Misfits Boxing and has competed in seven boxing bouts. His professional record includes a defeat to Tommy Fury, which came after their controversial October 2023 contest.Meanwhile, Deji has also built a following through his boxing career. A potential matchup with Essex could provide both personalities with an opportunity to attract a wider audience.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.