Behind the Scenes:
Joey Essex’s Iconic Ring Walk
MISFITS 22, DAZN
30, Aug 2025
I received a phone call from Joey Essex asking if I could help plan and execute his dream ring walk for his debut boxing match against Numeiro. He explained there was a song that held deep sentimental value to him: Frozen by Madonna. He had always envisioned making his entrance to it. This wasn’t your typical boxing ring walk track, and it genuinely caught me off guard when Joey told me his choice. Even the commentator captured the moment during the live performance, remarking, “From heavy metal to violins.” It was the perfect summary of just how unexpected and powerful the moment truly was. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about creating something memorable. A statement.
AO Arena
He needed someone who could not only sing it beautifully but also deliver a captivating live performance. I knew that finding the right vocalist would be key. I shortlisted several incredibly talented artists, each with their own strengths, and began putting options in front of Joey. Then one name came to mind: Elisa Cipro. Her voice, her presence, her ability to perform live. It all just made sense.
I called Joey and told him I had found the one. I sent over recordings and performance clips of Elisa Cipro. He instantly agreed. From her red hair to her tone and stage presence, she was exactly who he had pictured.
With Elisa confirmed, we quickly began building the live arrangement and brought in two exceptional violinists to elevate the atmosphere. Time was tight. Initially, we were only given one minute for the performance. After some negotiating with DAZN, we managed to secure nearly two full minutes, which gave the performers the space they needed to truly shine and build that emotional momentum.
Originally, we were due to arrive on the day of the fight, but in hindsight, it was a blessing that we were asked to come a day earlier. While the violinists were tied up with other commitments and couldn’t travel early, Elisa was able to make it. This gave us crucial time to explore the venue, run sound checks, and assess everything that needed to be done behind the scenes. There was a lot to prepare, and that extra day made all the difference.
We rehearsed for hours, fine tuning every detail while fielding regular check-ins from Joey, who was understandably anxious but deeply invested. It is always difficult sharing unfinished work. Things never sound as polished in progress, and Joey was hearing rough versions that didn’t reflect the final product. I reassured him to trust the process. I promised that what he would see and hear on the night would match the vision he had carried for so long. It was genuinely moving to witness his passion for the performance and to be trusted to bring that vision to life.
On Saturday morning, the violinists arrived and we all headed back to the AO Arena for a final run-through. Everything came together. The vocals, the strings, the timing, all aligned, and we left sound check feeling confident.
That evening, we arrived at the arena around 6:30 PM. Everyone looked incredible, dressed and ready for what would become an unforgettable moment. I sat ringside, watching some excellent fights while the performers prepared backstage.
As Joey’s walkout drew near, I met the team and guided them behind the scenes. The timing was perfect. As the haunting opening notes of Frozen filled the arena, Elisa and the violinists delivered a flawless live performance. Joey emerged at just the right moment, calm, focused, and completely immersed in the energy we had worked so hard to create.
He walked to the ring fully in his element, powered by a performance tailored to his vision. Moments later, he delivered with a victorious debut.
