YOUNG patients at a hospital received a special surprise as a world champion boxer paid them a visit.

Current IBO super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr said it was a “humbling” experience to meet the children and parents at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, on Eastern Road, Brighton.

The Brighton boxer took a special tour of some of the wards, meeting the inspiring youngsters wrapped up in their own personal battles.

Chris got the chance to chat to some of the children currently being treated at the hospital, and he sported a beaming smile as he heard their inspirational stories.

He even let them take a look at his coveted belt, which he won by beating James DeGale in a fight at the 02 Arena last month.

And the champion spoke about the how the experience at the hospital affected him.

He said: “To see the struggle and hardships and suffering these children and their parents are going through is humbling

“It reminds you how lucky we are to be in the position we’re in.

“To be able to bring some surprise and happiness to these kids and just bring a change to their everyday lives is very important.

“It makes me very happy to bring them happiness.”

Chris knows what it’s like to be embroiled in tough fights.

The 29-year-old has already taken part in 30 professional bouts in his career, winning 28 of them.

But he said that it was inspiring to meet the children who are the true fighters. He said: “These kids and their families are having to show real bravery, true bravery.

“Some of them are fighting for their lives, the ultimate fight.

“I fight for sport, but these are people who are in life or death situations that I can’t even imagine. It really puts everything in perspective.”

During the course of his visit Chris spoke to many of the children and their parents.

One particular room visit saw him come across 11-year-old Niamh Smith.

Niamh, a budding athlete herself and big football fan, was not afraid to go face-to-face with Chris, pictured above.

It also turned out her family has a history with the Eubanks, as her parents have a picture of the six-month old Niamh being held by Chris Eubank Sr during a meeting with the former world champion boxer.

Chris added: “I’ve been in Brighton for most of my life so meeting people from here, their kids going to schools I grew up around, it brings it that much closer to home. Anything I can do to help the community I’m always up for.”

Chris, much like his celebrity father, who was also a world champion boxer, has spent most of his life in Brighton.

He spent time at school in Brighton and Shoreham before moving to the United States at the age of 16, alongside his brother Sebastian.

His next fight may not be for another few months but Chris says that he always takes the inspirational stories from people he’s met into every bout he is is involved in.

He said: “Knowing that there are people looking up to me and supporting me is a boost. It’s good to know I’m inspiring young kids and having families who look up to me as a role model.”