Chris Eubank Sr clarifies views after reality TV stint
Friday 11 December 2015 12:26, UK
Chris Eubank Sr has dismissed claims he is sexist and says he's "proud to protect the dignity of the female state."
The former world champion recently took part in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and questioned whether the female contestants - a group that included 66-year-old Lady Colin Campbell - should be expected to do 'strenuous work' such as carrying logs while men were available to do so.
Many - including Lady Campbell - praised Eubank for what they perceived to be a gentlemanly sentiment, but others joined his fellow male contestant Brian Friedman in dubbing the Brighton man's viewpoint 'sexist.'
There is a difference between chivalry, being a gentleman and being sexist. I am not the latter.
When asked by Sky Sports to respond to critics, the legendary middleweight - who now prefers to be referred to as 'English' - said: "Where logs are concerned, I'm sure you can carry the logs, but it compromises my masculinity when you carry the logs. I'm standing there and watching you do it and you're compromising my masculinity. It's an ego thing.
"It's not sexist. You're taking something from me and I can't allow it. I have to carry the logs. I'm duty bound to carry the logs, as a man. It's the way we roll. We roll this way and I can't change it. There is a difference between chivalry, being a gentleman and being sexist. I am not the latter.
"If it's conditioning and I'm conditioned to be this way, it's society that did this to me and I'm grateful for it. I am old school and that I can not change. Now if you want me to change what I'm grateful for - that I have this masculinity and will be protective of the dignity of the female state - then give me time."
'English' returned from the show, which is filmed in Australia, in time to oversee final preparations for Chris Eubank Jr's WBA world middleweight title eliminator with Gary O'Sullivan - live on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday.
Watch Eubank Jr vs O'Sullivan on Joshua vs Whyte, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office, December 12, now available to order via your Sky remote or online.
