Nick Blackwell has woken up from induced coma after Chris Eubank Jr fight, promoters confirm

The 25-year-old fighter was hospitalised following his middleweight title defeat to Chris Eubank Jr

Nick Blackwell's eye injury during his fight with Chris Eubank Jnr (Rex)

Nick Blackwell has awoken from the induced coma he was placed into following his defeat to Chris Eubank Jr last week.

The 25-year-old, who collapsed shortly after the British middleweight title bout was stopped in the 10th round, awoke from unconsciousness on Saturday.

Blackwell subsequently recognised the voices of his family and friends at his bedside and, on Sunday, began to talk again.

Hennessey Sports, his promoters, also confirmed that their fighter had suffered a bleed to the skull - not the brain, as had initially been reported - and that the damage was minor enough to avoid surgery.

“It was the outcome everyone had been hoping and praying for; Nick had won his toughest fight yet,” the promotion company’s statement read.

“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.

“Nick Blackwell won the hearts of over three million (television) viewers on March 26 with an astonishing display of all-action bravery and determination,” it added.

“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.”