Ex-boxer Nick Blackwell wakes from coma after having part of his skull removed following foolish sparring session
The 26-year-old has woken up from a coma for a second time after needing life saving treatment after Chris Eubank Jnr fight
NICK BLACKWELL has woken from coma after being injured in an unsanctioned sparring session.
The retired boxer sparred back in November which led to swelling on his brain and has since had to have part of his skull removed.
This comes after the ex-fighter was forced to retire from boxing after his bout with Chris Eubank Jr devastatingly left him in a coma - where he needed lifesaving treatment.
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The British Boxing Board of Control were horrified to learn Blackwell had risked his life in the session with sparring partner Hasan Karkardi.
And the Boxing Board of Control will hold a hearing into the unsanctioned sparring session in January.
The Iranian, 29, and trainer Liam Wilkins have since been suspended over the incident.
Blackwell's father, John, did not expect his son to wake from the coma before Christmas.
He told t: "We've been hoping he would get to this stage but didn't think it would be for another few months yet.
"There's still a long road ahead, though, and he'll need another operation sometime next year to replace the part of his skull which is missing, but we're just so happy to see him smiling again."
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Eubank Jnr was shocked to hear that Blackwell was involved in an unsanctioned sparring session.
Eubank Jnr said: “It’s just madness — absolute madness.
“I can fully understand how strong a love can be for the sport of boxing because I have that love inside me.
“But there’s a difference between loving your sport and being able to spend time with your family and enjoy life.
“That is what he risked when he had that sparring session. I can’t understand that.
“He’s done it and it’s a shame but hopefully he pulls through again and everything is fine and he can learn from his mistake.”
Frank Warren was Blackwell's promoter before he was forced into retirement and he wants those involved to have their boxing licenses revoked.
Whilst also describing the situation surrounding his latest injury as "total madness".