Good news emerging from the world of boxing this afternoon with confirmation that Nick Blackwell has been woken from a coma and is speaking to his friends and family in hospital.
The Wiltshire boxer lost his British middleweight title to Chris Eubank Jr. on March 26th. The controversial bout was stopped during the tenth round, significantly later than many have said it should have been, with Blackwell taken out of the Wembley Arena on stretcher and later placed into a medically induced coma.
Blackwell was finally taken out of that coma on Saturday and, together with the above picture, Blackwell's promotors, Hennessy Sports have released a statement confirming that the 25 year old is now out of the coma and in a position where he is able to speak to family and friends at his bedside.
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.
Hennessy Sports ended the statement with a glowing tribute to the young boxer.
Nick Blackwell won the hearts of over three million (television) viewers on March 26 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.
Nick Blackwell has been woken up from his coma and has been talking to friends and family. Fantastic news. pic.twitter.com/RhsukDslXV
— Sheldan Keay (@SheldanKeay) April 4, 2016
