Nick Blackwell wakes up from induced coma
Tuesday 5 April 2016 07:02, UK
British middleweight Nick Blackwell woke from an induced coma on Saturday and has been speaking with family and friends, it has been confirmed.
Blackwell was placed in an induced coma after being rushed to St Mary's Hospital in London following his 10th-round stoppage defeat to Chris Eubank Jr at Wembley Arena on March 26.
The 25-year-old collapsed in the ring and was taken away from the arena on a stretcher while receiving oxygen.
Blackwell suffered a small bleed "on the skull" but did not require surgery and woke a week after the fight.
"Nick 'Bang Bang' Blackwell woke from an induced coma. Twenty-four hours later, on Sunday, he was talking to family and close friends at his bedside," a statement from Blackwell's promotional company Hennessy Sports read.
"Nick had been placed in an induced coma following a British middleweight title contest at Wembley Arena 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."
Upon learning of the positive development regarding Blackwell's condition, Eubank Jr tweeted: "Very happy to hear @nickblackwell02 has awoken from his coma. Nick I'd like to come see you if possible, I've got something for you bro."
