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Nick Blackwell's middleweight bout with Chris Eubank Jr (right) was stopped in round 10
Nick Blackwell has woken from his induced coma, following his fight with Chris Eubank Jr last week.
The 25-year-old was taken to hospital after the British middleweight title contest was stopped in round 10.
Blackwell woke from the induced coma on Saturday, and by Sunday was talking to family and friends at his bedside, said promoter Hennessey Sports.
Blackwell had suffered a bleed on the skull and not the brain as initially reported, the statement added.
Hennessey Sports said the boxer had won his "toughest fight yet".
It added: "Nick Blackwell won the hearts of over three million television viewers on 26 March 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.
"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."
What happened?
Referee Victor Loughlin stopped the fight in round 10 on the advice of the ringside doctor, who said Blackwell was unable to continue because of swelling over his left eye.
It meant Eubank Jr, 26, took the British middleweight title.
After the fight, Blackwell received medical attention in the ring before being taken away while receiving oxygen.
The British Boxing Board of Control said it was satisfied with the way the fight was handled, and respected trainer Adam Booth told BBC Radio 5 live Loughlin had "acted immaculately".
Former world champion Barry McGuigan, now a promoter, said it was an "isolated incident" and "nobody was to blame".
- Read: Referee 'immaculate' in Blackwell fight
- Listen: BBBC satisfied with how fight was handled
- Watch & read: I would have stopped the fight - Eubank Sr
- Read: Swelling may have saved Blackwell's life - Oliver
Eubank Jr posted a video to social media speaking of his "relief" after hearing the news of Blackwell's recovery. "The last thing you want is a fighter go through any serious damage," he said.
Anthony Fowler is a British amateur boxer
Paul Smith Jr is a two-time former British super-middleweight champion
BBC boxing correspondent Mike Costello:
"Blackwell's progress will be the cause not so much of celebration but of relief across boxing. His medication was gradually reduced towards the end of last week, and over the weekend he regained consciousness and began talking to family and friends.
"Long before he was placed in an induced coma, the 25-year-old was described as one of the most likeable characters in a sport which thrives on enmity, and in the nine days since he collapsed in the ring at Wembley Arena there's been a deluge of support from world champions and journeymen alike.
"His condition was a reminder of the risks they all take, and the dangers they all face."
Boxer Nick Blackwell recovers in hospital
'He will have a massive hole in his life'
Former super-bantamweight boxer Spencer Oliver suffered life-threatening head injuries in a European title fight in 1998, aged 22. He was given oxygen by paramedics in the ring and, after 15 minutes of treatment, was taken to hospital apparently unconscious and wearing a neck brace.
The British fighter later had a blood clot removed from his brain and went on to make a full recovery, but retired from boxing.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, Oliver said Blackwell's "biggest fight" now will be "coming to terms with not boxing again".
"He's only a young kid, he was at the beginning of his career and it's going to be very difficult. You have to remember, a boxer's life is training, morning, afternoon and evening. It's non-stop. He will have a massive hole in his life," he added.
"It will be a challenging time but I know he's got great people around him and I'm sure he'll cope. I'd suggest putting something back into boxing, maybe getting into training.
"He still had a bright future ahead of him and it's so unfortunate that it's all been taken away, but first and foremost your health is the most important thing. It's fantastic news."
Taken from the BBC website.
