Chris Eubank Jnr says Nick Blackwell’s decision to spar after brain surgery was ‘absolute madness’
Former middleweight rival was told never to box again but defied doctors with gym session which left him needing another op
CHRIS EUBANK JNR says Nick Blackwell’s decision to spar again after brain surgery was “absolute madness”.
The Brighton fighter, 27, fought Blackwell for the British title in March and the Wiltshire middleweight was put in an induced coma after a tenth-round stoppage.
Blackwell, 26, was told never to box again but defied specialist orders with a gym session last month which left him needing surgery to reduce swelling on his brain.
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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.”
The British Boxing Board of Control were horrified to learn Blackwell had risked his life in the session with sparring partner Hasan Karkardi.
The Iranian, 29, and trainer Liam Wilkins have since been suspended over the incident.
Eubank Jnr wanted to visit stricken Blackwell after his first brain operation in the spring but the family refused permission.
The British No 1, who is preparing to face Aussie Renold Quinlan for the IBO world super- middleweight title on February 4, added: “The last time I tried to be there and I wanted to see Nick but everyone around him blocked it.
“Then he came out of the coma and said the things he said about me and my father, so I’ve kind of got the message now — to just leave it.
“But I would still love to see him again and have the chance to shake his hand.”