Essex, who grew up in Chigwell, said he had always been interested in the sport and looked up to his uncle and his dad, a former boxer.
“It was only a matter of time before I stepped into the ring,” he said.
“With my TV work, there’s never been a gap where it’s fitted, but I feel ready and confident.”
After Towie, Essex became a well-known face on the reality TV circuit, including sports and endurance-based shows Splash! (diving), The Jump (winter sports) – which he won – and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (quasi-military training).
He also showed a more serious side by exploring his grief in a BBC Three documentary after his mum’s suicide.
“With all these shows, I always put 100% in – I put myself through pain and discipline,” he said.
“This [boxing] is just another level of grit and discipline.
“A lot of people know me as being silly and joking around, [but in the gym] I like to keep it serious.”