Chris Eubank Pays Tribute To Boxer Son Sebastian Following Death Aged 29

Chris Eubank has paid tribute to his son Sebastian following the boxer's death just days before his 30th birthday.

Former middleweight champion Eubank said in a statement that Sebastian - the third oldest of his five children - died in Dubai on Friday (9 July). The cause is understood to be due to drowning.

Eubank said his son leaves behind 'his wife Salma, his son Raheem born just a month ago, his mother Karron Meadows, brothers Nathanael, Chris, Jr, Joseph, one sister Emily and countless relatives and friends'.

PA

"Never did I ever imagine I would write these words or experience the feeling I now have at the loss of my son," Eubank, 54, said.

Eubank said the family was devastated at the loss of Sebastian, who grew up in Hove but had been living in Dubai, where he was 'a leader in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and of alternative therapies'.

The statement added: "As well as being a personal trainer and professional boxer, Sebastian was also a deep thinker who liked to challenge accepted wisdom.

"He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be forever in the thoughts of friends and family. As a family we now kindly ask to be given space and privacy to celebrate his life and remember the son, the brother, the husband, the friend."

Sebastian - who boxed using the name Alka Lion - made his debut in February 2018 against Polish fighter Kamil Kulczyk.

He made his MMA debut last year.

Sebastian's mother Karron Meadows said: "Our whole family is grieving at the huge loss of our son and brother, Sebastian. Please respect our grief and privacy while we try to comprehend our loss."

His brother, Chris Eubank Jr - who is also a professional boxer - said on Twitter: "Rest easy little brother, I love you and you will be missed always."

Tributes to Sebastian have flooded in from across the world of boxing.

Boxing promoters and agents Kalle and Nisse Sauerland said on Twitter: "We had the honour of promoting Sebastian Eubank. He was simply a true gentleman and a sincere human being who lighted up a room when he walked in. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family."

Former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe said: "Really Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Seb Eubank. Thoughts and Prayers to Chris and family."

YouTuber and boxer KSI tweeted: "RIP Seb Eubank :(."

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn added: "So saddened by the news of the passing of Seb Eubank. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

Retired cruiserweight Tony Bellew wrote: "Thinking of all the Eubank family at this time... Thoughts and Prayers are with them all.."

Topics: SPORT, Celebrity, Boxing,

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey