CHRIS Eubank Sr has said he would “absolutely love” to play the next James Bond.

The admission comes after hundreds of sports fans rushed to back a campaign to get the former WBO middleweight champion to play the most famous character in British cinema.

The former Hove resident, who used to drive around in a humongous truck, told The Argus: “I think the petition is brilliant.

“Of course I would love to play Bond.

“In some ways I have always been an actor.

“Ever since I have been in the public eye I have been acting, hoping to entertain.”

More than 600 people have so far backed the petition on Change.org.

It says: “Chris Eubank is not only a national treasure but also one who has seen action for most of his life, and his larger-than-life personality would be perfect as the next James Bond.”

One person commented “Finally a petition I can get behind” while another said “Behind this 100 per cent”.

Another commenter said “YES!” then added: “On reflection, I reckon he’d make the perfect Bond villain.”

When asked if he would take on the role of villain, Eubank replied: “I played the longest running villain in boxing history so that would also be amazing.

“To do the role, you have to have total commitment to your character and I have shown I can do that.”

Eubank has made several TV cameos in recent years, enjoying a stint on Celebrity Big Brother and most recently alongside his IBO Super-Middleweight champion son Chris Jnr on the hit TV series Gogglebox.

The eccentric sports star said his recent appearance had not only helped him grow closer to Chris Eubank Jr but had also given him a “newfound positioning in the TV community”.

Eubank – who used to live in Upper Drive, Hove, and is now based in London – added that acting had always been a hobby, and he used to enjoy lessons with actor and director Steven Berkoff.

If Bond doesn’t work out, the boxer said he was in talks for a new reality series, following his successful 2003 show At Home With The Eubanks.

He also allowed documentary maker Louis Theroux to follow him around for an episode of his BBC2 series.

Eubank is also technically a police marshal in the state of Louisiana.

Daniel Craig will hang up his tuxedo after Bond 25 next year and his replacement is expected to be announced soon.