CHRIS Eubank has been urged to retire from boxing - or risk being killed in the ring.

The chilling warning comes from his old foe Steve Collins who declares: "If he continues to fight, there is the very real danger that Eubank could die in action.

"At the very least, you fear for his future health. The punches I saw him take from Carl Thompson were brain-damaging punches, the kind that made you wince just watching.

"After his performance in that fight, Chris has nothing left to prove to anyone.

"He was a great champion, he showed against Thompson that he is a great warrior. But he no longer has the most important asset of all - youth.

"The fountain of youth does not exist. That's why he owes it to his wife and children to pack it in now, before it all ends in tragedy."

Collins was at ringside in Manchester last weekend, enthralled and unnerved by the heroic attempt by Eubank (left) to wrest the WBO world cruiserweight title from a champion a stone and a half heavier than any opponent he had ever fought.

"Your heart had to bleed for him because of his courage", said the Irishman who became the first man to defeat Eubank in their memorable punch-up three years ago.

Collins, the first Dubliner ever to win a world title, proved his victory was no fluke by beating Eubank a second time.

Since then Eubank's last two meaningful contests have both resulted in defeats, first by Welshman Joe Calzaghe and now by Thompson.

"I felt his career was on the slide after I beat him the second time. What's happened to him since only goes to confirm it," said Collins.

"We had a few differences when we fought but I genuinely like the guy and I know he's been great for British boxing.

"But there was one moment in the 12th round against Thompson which will live with me for ever.

"Thompson hit him on that damaged left eye with such a ferocious punch that I thought to myself: 'Jeez, that eye is going to come out of its socket'. Thankfully it didn't, but the look of pain on Eubank's face as the punch landed sent a tremble down my spine. I don't want to see any fighter have to suffer like that. And surely he doesn't need it.

"I don't believe that money is the real reason for him still fighting. He's made a lot more than I did and I hope I have enough for the rest of my life.

"No, I think it's the attention that he craves, the big stage. But he's an articulate man, a born actor and performer. That's why I would say to him that his stage in future should be the pantomime stage.

"I'm not being disparaging. He would be brilliant, in a way I never could. He'd love all the ham acting, the dressing up. If Frank Bruno can do it, then Eubank would be a sensation - and there wouldn't be any danger of him being hurt."

Collins, who retired as undefeated WBO world super middleweight champion last year, has just opened a professional gym in Dublin and admits: "I'm just delighted that I will never have to go through all those weeks of training and then the punishment of a big fight again. I only wish Chris would have the same feelings."

But Eubank, who was taken to hospital for a brain scan after his defeat by Thompson, still wants a rematch with the champion.

There is no question that his valiant display has captured the hearts of a British sporting public who once loved to hate him.

"I was told that even in Dublin all the fans watching the fight on TV in the pubs were cheering for Eubank," said Collins.

"He deserves all that adulation.

"I only hope that in ten years time he's still around to live with his memories."