Harlem Eubank wins in Brighton with ArrDee and Tommy Fury ringside

Harlem had been training relentlessly ahead of facing Germany’s Timo Schwarzkopf, he appeared focused and confident at Wednesday’s press conference and fierce at the weigh-in the following day.

And with uncle Chris Eubank Senior recently appointed as his manager, the 29-year-old Brighton boy was favourite to win.

Tickets sold out hours before the event (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

That’s not to say this was set to be an easy fight for Harlem. It was an even match up and Timo was a worthy opponent with a previous record of 22 wins and five loses – now six.

But this was more than just another fight. This was Harlem, a member of the Eubank family, bringing boxing back to Brighton for the first time in three decades, an entire city behind him – and my goodness, the Brighton Centre was absolutely bouncing.

The undercard was fantastic, too. Packed with quality fighters, including Shoreham’s Tommy Welch who took a fantastic win over Argentina’s Jonathan Vergara.

Brighton rapper ArrDee, centre, was among stars at the fight (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Stars and sports people were dotted around the venue, including another homegrown talent in rapper ArrDee, YouTuber Joe Weller and Albion player Billy Gilmour – all of whom were happy to take photographs with fans.

But now the games were done, and it was down to business. Harlem and Timo took the ring at 10pm for what would be eleven round of sensational fighting.

Both took a few rounds to work one another out but Eubank looked dominant, though Timo was landing some big blows.

Eubank was dominant in nearly every round (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

I must admit I thought it would go the distance with Harlem winning on points. In fact I posted on X, formerly Twitter, at the end of the tenth round that we’d need “something special” to break the deadlock – and something special is exactly what we got.

Harlem landed a big right hand with Timo going down heavily, stumbling about as he got to his feet. The referee called it a day and that was that.

Harlem was joined by Eubank Snr in the ring as he put on the belt. What a moment.

Chris Eubank Senior puts the belt on his nephew (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

After the title fight, and after most people had left the arena, we were treated to a bout between Roman Fury, brother of Tyson, and Bradley Davies – with Roman getting the win. It felt like a lock in at a pub after the punters leave. A nice treat. And also a chance to see Tommy Fury and dad John Fury in Brighton.

So it was out into the cold night air, a quick pint, then home, where there was only one thing to watch on television. Highlights of the 1993 fight between Eubank Snr and Nigel Benn. Obviously.

It’s a mystery to me why there aren’t regular boxing events at the Brighton Centre. It’s perfect for fights of this size and will always pull a crowd.

Tommy Fury, left, with dad John Fury supporting Roman Fury (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

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Last night was very special, celebrating everything good about Brighton, but particularly our new champion.

This has to be the start of regular boxing in Brighton. If last night was a one-off, it was a privilege to be part of it. But it would be a huge shame to let this slip away from us now.

I hope to be writing about the next fight night at the Brighton Centre soon…