Former world boxing champion Chris Eubank will have to wait on tables and clean up after hungry diners after losing a bet over the green baize.

Nick Saxon, owner of the Mad Hatter cafe in Montpelier Road, Brighton, challenged the ex-fighter to a dare when they found themselves cueing off in the same venue.

They agreed to bet cash over who won each of their pool games, until victorious Nick was owed the equivalent of the appearance fee Mr Eubank usually charges.

Nick said: "I play a lot of pool so I'm a fairly decent player and I just kept on winning.

"I asked if he wanted to pay off the money by making a personal appearance and he was fine with it. It was a bit of a joke to get him to help out in the cafe."

Hove-based Chris will have to get used to taking the verbal rather than giving it throughout Friday morning.

The presence of a TV crew may force him to remain on his best behaviour, too.

He is being followed by a fly-on-the-wall team from Channel Five, who are filming an Osbournes-style reality show about the celebrity.

He has previously allowed maverick film-maker Louis Theroux to follow him round for an episode of the BBC2 series, though the pair argued on screen.

However, Nick has promised not to be too tough on his new recruit.

He said: "I'm not really a harsh taskmaster.

"We'll see how it goes on the day but he owes me at least a few hours in the cafe.

"We'll probably have him serving people and maybe cleaning a few tables.

"It should be a fun day. The other staff are really looking forward to meeting their new celebrity colleague."

Nick refused to reveal the name of the hotel where the pair often played pool, nor how much money the total wager amounted to.