Gary’s condition improves after support from heavyweight hero

A SCOTS boxer has come out of a coma with help from Anthony Joshua.

Gary Murray woke up in hospital after hearing a video message from the world heavyweight champion.

Welterweight Murray, from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, lost consciousness after being stopped in the 10th round by Patrick Gallagher at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Arena earlier this month.

But Joshua took time out from training for tonight’s title defence against Carlos Takam in Cardiff to wish the 30-year-old a speedy recovery and promise him two tickets for the bout.

Trainer Billy Nelson told Joshua about Gary’s plight when he brought his fighter Martin Ilunga to Sheffield to spar with the unbeaten WBA Super and IBF champ. Joshua said. “It was during sparring for this fight. I made a video message which has been played to Gary, and I’ve been told he’s now woken up.

“He’s invited to the fight and we’ve given him two tickets.”

In his video message, the champ says: “Hi Gary, it’s Anthony Joshua. I just finished training and I heard what is happening. I hope you get better and I want you to keep strong.

“Keep on fighting, because I want to see you at my fight. There will be two tickets waiting for you so I hope to see you soon champ. Look after yourself.” Although Gary has regained consciousness, it is understood he is not well enough to travel to Cardiff tonight.

The boxer was unbeaten going into the fight with Gallagher but after being knocked down, he reportedly hit his head heavily on the canvas and lay on the ground not moving.

He received immediate medical attention and oxygen was taken to the ring.

He managed to get to his feet before being taken to hospital but the fighter was said to have been in “a potentially life-altering situation”.

Dundee boxer Mike Towell, 25, died after suffering bleeding to the brain in a fight against Dale Evans in Glasgow last September.