NICK BLACKWELL has spoken to family and close friends after waking from his induced coma.

Blackwell, 25, suffered a bleed on the brain last month following a brutal British middleweight title contest with Chris Eubank Jr.
But Hennessy Sports today revealed the Trowbridge fighter came round on Saturday as the medical team caring for him gradually reduced his sedatives.

And just 24 hours later he was talking to visitors at his hospital bedside. Peter Fury — uncle and trainer of unified world heavyweight champ Tyson — says promoter Mick Hennessy told him Blackwell was already smiling and telling jokes.
He tweeted: "Great news @nickblackwell02 has made a full recovery. Mick said he's smiling and talking, even telling jokes. In God we trust!"
Eubank Jr, 26, also took to Twitter to express his relief and reiterate his desire to visit Blackwell as soon as possible. He said: "Very happy to hear @nickblackwell02 has awoken from his coma. Nick, I'd like to come see you if possible. I've got something for you bro."
Eubank Jr picked up the British championship when referee Victor Loughlin halted the contest in the tenth round on the advice of the ringside doctor. TV footage had earlier shown Chris Eubank Sr, 49, telling his son at the end of the eighth that the fight should have already been stopped. He also ordered him to switch to the body instead of focusing on the head to save Blackwell from further damage.
A Hennessy Sports statement said: “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 won the hearts of over three million TV viewers on March 26 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. “Nick’s bleed was outside the brain — on the skull, in fact — and was minor enough for there to be no need to operate.
“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. "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."

source :