'Let your light shine' - Former multi world champion Chris Eubank in inspiring visit to Smethwick pupils

He was there to help launch new tech platform Trust Huddle, whose founders hope to sign up thousands of school PTAs, sports clubs and community groups. 

The 58-year-old spent over two hours at the school getting his messages of how to better oneself across in song, poetry and speech, grabbing the attention and imagination of the young audience who weren't even born when he fought.

He even demonstrated boxing poses and did some imaginary sparring - and there were some real revelations during the visit, including Eubank saying he doesn't consider boxing a sport in the way he classes basketball and football, but a meeting of two warriors.

He said: "It can be brutal and if you don't have your wits about you you can get hurt or killed so I always went into every fight to give my life to it - I tried to entertain at the same time but I was always focussed on the job in hand.

"There are a lot of things young people can take out of boxing like not taking anything for granted and never giving up because you certainly should not do that."

When questioned about whether he had fought Mike Tyson, he revealed that in the 1990s on a trip to America he suggested an exhibition match - which was turned down by Iron Mike as they were good friends.

He also told how his first amateur bout was one of the most memorable as it ended in defeat and he cried about it after the fight.

Eubank said: "I came back from it and that is what you have to do, accept the knockdowns and get back up again - it is a metaphor for these youngsters to live their life by."

Known as 'Simply the Best', Eubank had an eccentric image in the ring, posing during fights, and out of it, dressing extravagantly in expensive clothes and often brandishing a cane.

He would go on to win 45 out of 52 fights at three weights before retiring in 1998, and said the media image was not a true reflection of him.

He said: "I am a humble and gentle soul and I am all about helping people to be what they want to be, achieve their goals and treat others with respect.

"I am doing a lot of these talks in schools and community clubs because that is what Trust Huddle is all about, bringing groups together - whether that be in sport, education or other areas."

Carmel Hinton, headteacher at St Phillips, which is part of the Emmaus Catholic MAC, said they were honoured to be visited by Chris and his team and he had inspired staff and pupils alike.

She said: "What he said touched on what St Phillips in Smethwick has as its values, as does the wider trust.

"We are about the community and trying to give the pupils the best start in life and guidance for beyond.

"He spoke of the love, joy and hope in advent in the lead-up to Christmas, which is what we have been striving towards in terms of getting the message across.

"The children thrive here as part of a community first but also as individuals, and the message of looking at who you are, understanding that and trying to shine is vitally important as well."