Nick Blackwell wakes from induced coma

British middleweight Nick Blackwell woke from an induced coma on Saturday and a day later was talking with family and close friends at his bedside, promoter Hennessy Boxing announced on Monday.

Blackwell, who was making his third British title defence, collapsed following a 10th-round stoppage defeat to Chris Eubank Jr on March 26 at The SSE Arena, in London.

Blackwell suffered a small bleed on the skull but did not require surgery. Doctors placed the 25-year-old in a medically induced coma to allow time for brain swelling to go down.

"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," said a statement from Blackwell's promoters Hennessy Boxing. "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."