Chris Eubank Jr. is determined to hit the boxing jackpot to secure a bright future for his nephew, Raheem, following the tragic loss of his younger brother, Sebastian. In July 2021, Sebastian passed away from a heart attack in Dubai at the young age of 29, leaving behind a one-month-old son. Overnight, Eubank Jr. stepped into the role of a father figure, dedicating his boxing career to providing for Raheem.
Now three years old and just starting school, Raheem has already begun to follow his uncle around the practice ring as Eubank Jr. prepares for his middleweight bout against Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia. At 35, Eubank Jr. acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially with a potential rematch against rival Conor Benn looming. Yet, the heartache from his brother’s death has ignited a new purpose within him.
Reflecting on the first time he visited his brother’s grave, Eubank Jr. recounted a poignant moment holding Raheem, which brought him a sense of calm and hope. “I felt then that everything would be OK. I love that little boy,” he shared. “Raheem is my motivation. I only have a few years left in boxing, and I need to make sure he has the best life possible.”
The death of Sebastian weighed heavily on their father, Chris Eubank Sr., who has struggled to cope with the loss. The two have faced challenges in their relationship, with misunderstandings stemming from the pressures of the boxing business and Eubank Sr.’s expectations. Eubank Jr. expressed hope for their relationship, stating, “He’s in a much healthier state of mind now, thank God.”
Despite the deep bond he feels with Raheem, Eubank Jr. is aware of the challenges ahead, including the desire to give Raheem a sibling while grappling with the idea of them pursuing boxing. “Spending time with Raheem has made me think more about having my own son and raising him alongside Raheem,” he said. However, he acknowledges the difficulties of the sport, stating, “Not everybody has it, but you need it to survive in combat.”
Eubank Jr. is torn between wanting to protect Raheem and recognizing the importance of discipline in sports. “I have a soft spot for Raheem because of our situation. I wouldn’t want to push him into boxing like my dad did with me,” he admitted. “But with our family’s legacy, it’s a part of who he is.”
As Eubank Jr. gears up for his next fight, his commitment to his nephew remains clear. His journey through grief has shaped him into a protective figure, determined to ensure that Raheem grows up with the love and guidance he needs to flourish
