Boxer Nick Blackwell has awoken from an induced coma one week after his British middleweight title fight with Chris Eubank Jr, his promoter Hennessy Sports has confirmed.
The 25-year-old was taken to hospital after collapsing in the ring shortly after the tenth-round stoppage at Wembley Arena in London.
The fight was stopped by the ringside doctor after noticing swelling above the left eye of Blackwell, who was stretchered out of the venue.
It has now been confirmed by Hennessy Sports that the boxer has been awake since Saturday and has been speaking to family and friends at his bedside in hospital.
A statement read: "Nick had been placed in an induced coma following a British middleweight title contest at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday, March 26. Contrary to early reports, though, his bleed was outside the brain - on the skull, in fact - and was minor enough for there to be no need to operate.
"He was in an induced coma for almost seven days, given the very best possible treatment by the incredible team at St Mary's Hospital, and the sedatives used were gradually reduced over this period of time.
"Finally, at the weekend, Nick woke from this induced coma, acknowledged the voices of loved ones and, by Sunday, was starting to talk. It was the outcome everyone had been hoping and praying for - Nick had won his toughest fight yet.
"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."
Blackwell's opponent Eubank Jr offered his support to the fighter after hearing of his condition.
They best news we could hear . @nickblackwell02 has been awoken from induced coma & been talking to family/friends 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PzwrIKT3i1
— Kugan Cassius (@KuganCassius) April 4, 2016
Danielle Joynson
