Seb Eubank wants to be role model and show boxers are not 'hooligans'

Super-middleweight Eubank fights on the Ultimate Boxxer 7 show in Manchester on April 3.

Seb’s father, Chris, was a two-weight world champion, while elder brother Chris Jr is the current WBA interim middleweight champion and former IBO super-middle world champion.

Now 28-year-old Seb is hoping to get his hands on a trophy of his own but says it is no get-rich-quick scheme driving him on as he follows in the family tradition.

He told The Argus: “I like the sound of Ultimate Boxxer because it appeals to the masses.

“It is trying to appeal to people who are not currently into boxing right now.

“It tries to appeal to the youth and that is important because this whole boxing scene started from guys like (Muhammad) Ali.

“There are guys who made it popular and that was not necessarily just because they could throw down but because they were interesting characters. They inspired a lot of people.

“I’d like to see people get back to that as I think boxing has got a bit too money driven.

“It is understandable because it is probably one of the most dangerous sports on the planet, but at the same time, I don’t think the fighters who are making that money are taking the responsibility and status that comes with being a boxing champion.

“A lot of them are just taking their money and carrying on like hooligans as they do not realise there are a lot of kids looking up to them.

“I feel Ultimate Boxxer is a chance for me to work with these guys and try to bring back a role model to boxing.

“It is a chance to show those who may not be into boxing, or know too much about it, that we are not hooligans.

“A lot of people who don’t watch boxing but hear about it think it is a bunch of brutes but that is not the case.”

He added: “I’d like to work with Ultimate Boxxer in showcasing the profession and its methods.

“We want to help inspire people in all walks of life from helping them to be more disciplined, lose weight or overcome adversity.

“For instance, some kids might be getting bullied and need to have the confidence to stand up for themselves or learn how to defend themselves.

“There is a lot of stuff boxing can bring to the world rather than just the pay-per-view scrap.”

Former Brighton and Hove amateur Seb turned professional two years ago after a successful - and often explosive - amateur career.

But he has an unenviable task to emulate his father and brother.

Seb says the family name is an inspiration not a burden, though, as he bids to carve out his own niche in the boxing dynasty.

And he knows he will be a prized scalp in the short-format tournament that is settled in one night.

He said: “When it comes to fighting I think it makes everyone perform better.

“I know my opponent is going to be training harder, I know my opponent will be fighting his best fight, which in turn makes me have to step up as well. At the end of it all, pressure makes diamonds and that is what the Eubank name brings to the sport of boxing.”

Seb will have former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Scott Welch and Anthony Brown of Worthing’s FitLab in his corner, who guided him as an amateur.

Seb intends to use his brother, who is back at middleweight, as a sparring partner - when he is available.

He said: “When I am with Chris we train but he is in the US at the moment, so I will not be able to use him as much as I’d like for the sparring.

“But that’s OK as we will find some good boys. Scott Welch is a handy man in this game so we will have plenty of other decent partners to choose from.”

Tickets for Ultimate Boxxer 7 are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ultimate-boxxer-tickets/ Limited tickets available. Fans can watch Seb Eubank in action live on BT Sport on Friday 3rd April.