Boxing legend Chris Eubank visits Devon seaside - but hits parking snag

A Devon seaside town got a knockout surprise when boxing's best-dressed former champ dropped by for a visit. Ex middleweight king Chris Eubank was spotted in Paignton harbour.

He delighted visitors by stopping to pose for photos and sign autographs. Staff at the Harbour Inn said the ring warrior was polite to everyone he met and stayed in the area for a couple of hours.

It all started when he was seen struggling to find a parking space around the quaint harbour. Landlady Courtney Ross said: "His car was outside and he was trying to find somewhere to park. Everyone had started to recognise him and he was being a bit hounded.

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"I told him that if he was looking for somewhere to park we had a car park he could leave his car in. He was really, really nice and polite. Everyone wanted a photo with him and I took one outside the pub.

"To be honest I don't know why he was in the area but he was around for a couple of hours."

DevonLive recently spoke to local businesses and visitors about Paignton harbour. The location has a number of bars and independent businesses.

The pub posted a photo on Facebook that showed the ex fighter, known for his well-spoken and unorthodox manner, looking trim and dapper in an all-black buttoned-up outfit with cap. Many people have left comments and asked why he was sporting pointy sheriff badges.

In previous reports Eubank, famed for epic ring battles with Nigel Benn in the 1990s, has said he worked in law enforcement during a stint in the United States.

The pub posted: "What a pleasure it was to have Chris Eubank in to visit yesterday! Not just a lovely man but an absolute sporting legend, we felt very lucky to have welcomed him."

Another photo shows him with Paignton Pleasure Cruises boss Ashley Lane and his dog. The business has welcomed many famous names and over the years, including Richard Branson and David Attenborough.

"Today Holly met Boxing Legend Chris Eubanks down at Paignton Harbour," says the post. One comment says: "Absolute national treasure. A legend." Another said "absolute gentleman."