LONDON - World title contender Billy Joe Saunders has taken a pop at former boxer and ‘I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!’ contestant Chris Eubank.

The undefeated London fighter, who faces middleweight world champion Andy Lee on December 19th at the Manchester Arena, took a swipe at the father of his arch-rival Chris Eubank Jr, labelling him “annoying” and “pathetic” during his stint on the ITV show.

Eubank was evicted from the jungle earlier this week and Saunders says he knows where his son picked up his unlikeable qualities.

“I’ve not seen much of the shows because I’ve been training in Spain for my fight later this month but from what I have seen and been told his dad is just as annoying and pathetic as his son,” said Saunders.

“He was all talk when he was in the jungle but didn’t do much to help the other contestants out so I can see where his son picked up that trait of just talking a good game.

“It’s clear the public didn’t take to him that’s why they voted him out. You can only talk so much before you have to get your hands dirty and back up your words. He couldn’t do it in the jungle and his son can’t do it in the ring,” Saunders said.

Both Saunders and Eubank Jr locked horns a year ago with the Hatfield man coming out on top via a split decision.

If they were to meet again 26-year-old Saunders is convinced he would get the job done in even more emphatic fashion.

“I’ve already taken care of Eubank Jr but would happily hand him another beating once I get past Andy Lee,” said Saunders.

“In fact, if we were to fight again I’m certain that I will knock him out this time round. I’ve been in there with him once before so I have a very good idea now of how he operates.

“That gives me the confidence of knowing that I can stop him next time. It will be a much easier fight for me but I want to go after the world’s best so he’s not really on my radar,” he said.

The former British and European champion also called on Eubank Sr to admit that his time in the ring has passed and to stop calling out old foes in the shape of Nigel Benn, who he shared the ring with twice during his career.

“They had a couple of really good fights back in the 90s but Eubank needs to stop living in the past.

“Boxing is a young man’s sport and I don’t think he was serious when calling out Nigel Benn. It’s in the past now.

“Eubank had the chance to fight Benn again for the third time years ago but I don’t really think he fancied it. It’s easy to talk but when the time comes to sign the contract or get in the ring that’s when things go quite,” said Saunders.

Tickets for Andy Lee vs Billy Joe Saunders at the Manchester Arena on December 19th starting from just £40 are available from frankwarren.com , ticketmaster.co.uk or eventim.co.uk. Or watch exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.