CHRIS Eubank Jr rates new superhero movie Black Panther an absolute knockout.

The Brighton fighter steps in the ring with George Groves on Saturday in the World Boxing Super Series semi-finals in Manchester.

But he took time out of training to be at the film’s premiere last Thursday and rubbed shoulders with members of the cast and celebrities on the red carpet.

Black Panther, which opened at cinemas this week, is the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to feature a black lead actor and predominantly black cast.

Eubank Jr told The Argus: “It’s an awesome film.

“It’s great to see the Marvel Cinematic Universe finally diversifying.

“It’s an all-black cast and, hopefully, they continue down this route and give other creeds and colours more time on the silver screen.

“It was an awesome movie – probably one of the best Marvel movies I have seen.

“Hopefully they are on to something now and they can start producing more variety and diversity in their films.”

IBO champion Eubank Jr, 28, is bidding for hero status against fellow Brit Groves, who holds the WBA super-middleweight title, in the series which has been dubbed the Champions League of boxing.

The Manchester fight is on ITV’s pay per view channel.

l Turn to page 16 for a full list of what’s new in the cinemas in Brighton this month.