By Terence Dooley
Nick Blackwell (19-4-1, 8 KOs) is due to be brought out of his coma in the next few days according to a report on the BBC.
Blackwell was placed into an induced coma after he collapsed due to a small bleed on the brain following last Saturday’s 10th-round stoppage loss to Chris Eubank Junior. The former British middleweight Champion was not operated on, and he could be awake within the next 48 or 72 hours.
Mike Costello of the BBC told Radio 5 live that: “I'm told the vital signs are good and doctors are cautiously optimistic.”
The 25-year-old refused to take a backward step against Eubank, who has since praised his opponent’s bravery and wished him well.
Referee Victor Loughlin brought in the ringside doctor to examine Blackwell’s swollen left eye and stopped the fight on the advice of the physician, with some arguing that it should have been stopped sooner. Others have argued that the referee and Blackwell’s corner are not to blame. However, the entire boxing community has been united in its desire to see Blackwell make a speedy recovery.
It is a welcome piece of good news for Blackwell, his family and fans, as well as the thousands of British boxing fans who have been waiting anxiously for some positive information.
Former British Super middleweight and current IBF titlist James DeGale has asked the BBBoC to give Blackwell a Lonsdale belt for keeps, he was one win away from earning it outright and “Chunky” has argued that it would be a fitting gesture.
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