Legendary boxer Chris Eubank’s nephew Harlem Eubank reveals why he quit chance to play against Premier League stars to chase boxing dream(via Getty)Harlem Eubank has opened up about the life-changing decision that saw him leave football behind and follow his family’s famous boxing legacy. The unbeaten British welterweight admitted he once dreamed of making it as a professional footballer before choosing a different path after being released by Brighton’s academy.Now 32, Eubank is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career as he takes on France’s David Papot for the IBF International welterweight title. With a world title opportunity within reach, the British boxer believes walking away from football was the best decision he ever made.From Brighton Academy to the boxing ring: Harlem Eubank’s journeyBefore making a name for himself in boxing, Harlem Eubank spent his teenage years playing football at Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy. The nephew of British boxing legend Chris Eubank and cousin of former world champion Chris Eubank Jr., he once hoped to build a career on the football pitch.However, his football journey came to an end when Brighton released him at the age of 16. Looking back, Eubank believes his physical development played a major role in that decision. He explained that he did not experience his growth spurt as early as some of the other players around him, while many of his teammates were already stronger and more physically mature. He continued playing for different clubs over the next two years but eventually realised that football was no longer the right career for him.Eubank told Sun Sports that once he stepped into a boxing gym, he immediately felt he had found the sport where he truly belonged. He added that injuries were never the reason his football dream ended. Instead, he simply discovered a greater passion for boxing and decided to dedicate himself fully to it.His football career still gave him unforgettable memories. During his academy days, Eubank shared the pitch with players who later became Premier League stars. He recalled playing alongside Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and winger Solly March during their younger years. He also remembered facing England international Raheem Sterling, saying it was clear even then that Sterling possessed exceptional talent and was already ahead of many players in his age group.Today, Eubank carries a professional boxing record of 22 wins and one defeat. He is now on the verge of earning a world title opportunity and believes his upcoming fight against French boxer David Papot is the biggest challenge of his career so far.Speaking about the contest, Eubank described Papot as a boxer capable of competing at world title level. He said his opponent proved his quality in recent performances and that this fight gives him the perfect chance to show he belongs among the best welterweights in the division. According to Eubank, becoming world champion remains his ultimate goal, but his full attention is currently on defeating Papot.The British boxer also reflected on England’s recent World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. He praised the team’s overall performance throughout the tournament but felt they struggled to maintain attacking pressure during the closing stages of the match. He acknowledged that England faced one of the strongest teams in world football, led by one of the finest players of this generation, making the challenge even more difficult.As England prepare for the third-place playoff, Eubank’s focus remains firmly on his own battle inside the ring. A victory over Papot could move him one step closer to achieving the dream he has chased since leaving football behind.