RIYADH: Sebastian Eubank, the son of British boxing legend Chris Eubank, has died in Dubai where he lived, just days before his 30th birthday.
Sebastian, who had recently welcomed his first child, was found at a beach near his home after drowning according to British media.
His father said: “Never did I ever imagine I would write these words or experience the feeling I now have at the loss of my son.”
The 29-year-old followed his father into boxing, winning his first two professional bouts.
His father paid tribute to him, saying he was a “deep thinker who liked to challenge and accepted wisdom.”
“Sebastian grew up in Hove in England,” his father said in a statement, “but in the last few years made his life in Dubai where he had a wide circle of friends and was a leader in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and of alternative therapies.
“He leaves 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.”
Sebastian is the third of Eubank’s children to become a professional boxer.
His father, remembered by many for his eccentric behavior and fashion, is considered one of the best boxers in British history, dominating as a world champion in the 90s.
Sebastian, who boxed in light-heavyweight bouts, went by the ring name “Alka Lion” and had made his MMA debut last year.
In his professional boxing debut in February 2018, Sebastian beat Polish fighter Kamil Kulczyk.
Tributes poured in for the father-of-one on Friday, who worked as a personal trainer in Dubai at the time of his death.
His mother 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. tweeted: “Rest easy little brother, I love you and you will be missed always.”
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: “So saddened by the news of the passing of Seb Eubank. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Former footballer Robbie Fowler wrote on Twitter: “How sad... thinking of all the family and friends of the Eubank family on their loss.”
Former boxing champion Tony Bellew tweeted: “Thinking of all the Eubank family at this time… Thoughts and Prayers are with them all.”
Chris Eubank Sr. asked that the family be given privacy to celebrate Sebastian’s life and “remember the son, the brother, the husband, the friend.”
