Boxing world relieved that Blackwell’s on the mend

Chris Eubank Jr has spoken of his pleasure at hearing the news Nick Blackwell has woken from his coma.

Eubank stopped Blackwell in the 10th round of last Saturday’s fight to win the British middleweight title, but since then has been concerned for his opponent’s health as Blackwell collapsed shortly afterwards and spent the following week in an induced coma.

The 25-year-old was found to have suffered a bleed on the skull, but did not require surgery, woke on Saturday and was speaking to friends and family on Sunday.

His promoter Hennessy Sports revealed the latest developments yesterday, and Eubank, 26, has since led those welcoming the positive news.

In the same way the British boxing community demonstrated its support for Blackwell in the hours after he collapsed – fellow middleweight Adam Etches started a crowdfunding campaign for him and David Haye has pledged to donate 10% of ticket sales from his next fight.

“So delighted that Nick Blackwell has come out of his induced coma and is speaking to his family,” wrote Barry McGuigan, whose son Shane added: “Delighted to hear the news Nick Blackwell has woken and is already talking to his family and friends.”

WBA and IBF middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin wrote: “Great to hear Nick Blackwell is awake and with family and friends.”

There were further messages from 2012 Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell, promoter Frank Warren and the recently-retired Kevin Mitchell, while Peter Fury – the uncle and trainer of Tyson – who is close to Blackwell’s promoter Mick Hennessy, wrote: “Great news Nick Blackwell has made a full recovery. Mick said he’s smiling and talking, even telling jokes.

“In God we trust.”

Nick Blackwell has come out of an induced coma.