Blackwell Out Of Coma After Eubank Fight

Boxer Nick Blackwell has woken from an induced coma after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr and has been talking to family and friends.

The former British middleweight champion was conscious on Saturday and speaking to relatives the next day, according to his promoters.

Hennessy Sports said: "It was the outcome everyone had been hoping and praying for; Nick had won his toughest fight yet."

They released a picture showing him awake and sitting up in his hospital bed, with his brother Dan and close friend Jake close by.

Reacting to the news that Blackwell was no longer in a coma, Eubank said he was "very, very happy".

He added: "It was a real relief. The last thing we want is to have a fighter go through any serious damage."

Eubank wants to visit him in hospital and said he "had something" for him.

Blackwell was put into the coma by doctors a week earlier after suffering a suspected bleed to the brain following the British middleweight title fight in London.

Hennessy Sports has now confirmed the bleeding was "outside the brain - on the skull, in fact - and was minor enough for there to be no need to operate".

Doctors gradually reduced his sedatives and on Saturday he "acknowledged the voices of loved ones and, by Sunday, was starting to talk".

The promoters said: "On behalf of Nick, his family, and very close friends, we'd like to thank everyone for their continued support and well-wishes. It has been overwhelming at times and has certainly not gone unnoticed."

They added: "Nick Blackwell won the hearts of over three million (television) viewers on 26 March with an astonishing display of all-action bravery and determination.

"In the past week, however, he has humbled millions more. He's a fighter. He's a warrior. He's a true champion and gentleman."

The fight at Wembley Arena was stopped by the referee in round 10 after concerns were raised by a doctor over the swelling above Blackwell's left eye.

He collapsed soon after the fight and was then seen receiving medical attention on the floor of the ring.

During the bout, Eubank's father Chris Eubank, had apparently recognised the danger, telling his son Blackwell was in danger of being hurt if the referee did not halt the fight. He instructed his son not to hit his opponent in the face.

Climbing into the ring during a break, the former champion boxer was heard to say: "If he (the referee) doesn't stop it and we keep beating him like this, he is getting hurt…you're not going to take him out to the face, take him out to the body."

It is thought his intervention may have saved Blackwell's life.

The serious injuries to Blackwell came nearly 25 years after Chris Eubank beat Michael Watson in a bout that left the then-middleweight champion in a coma.