The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Blackwell confirms end of ring career
BOXING: Former champion retires but plans to still be involved
Nick Blackwell has confirmed he will never fight again but hopes to remain involved in boxing.
The former British middleweight champion has made encouraging progress since being placed in an induced coma having collapsed shortly after being stopped in last month’s fight with Chris Eubank Jr.
He was found to have suffered a bleed on the skull but woke a fortnight ago without requiring an operation and has been pictured looking well and enjoying the company of loved ones from his hospital bed.
The 25-year-old from Trowbridge says he is hanging up his gloves as he does not want to put his friends and family through a similar ordeal again.
And even if Blackwell did harbour thoughts of fighting again his chances would be extremely doubtful, given the British Boxing Board of Control would be highly unlikely to grant him a licence.
When asked on Twitter about a potential return to the ring, Blackwell responded: “No, that’s me done.
“’I can’t put my friends and family and self through that again but I’ll still be involved.”
Blackwell was stopped in the 10th round by Eubank Jr at Wembley Arena on March 26.
Eubank came close to forcing a stoppage on a number of occasions before referee Victor Loughlin called a halt after seeking advice from the ringside doctor on the swelling to Blackwell’s left eye.
Blackwell, who is expected to be released from hospital soon, has been in touch with Eubank Jr to say he bears no grudge against him despite the brutal nature of their contest.
He even plans to watch the fight back at some point.
Eubank, the son of former world middleweight champion Chris Eubank, hopes to visit Blackwell as soon as he is able to.
“I’ve tried reaching out since you woke,” wrote the 26-year-old. “Haven’t heard anything back from you or your team. I hope there’s no hard feelings.”
Blackwell replied: “Hello bro, no hard feelings, we were both there doing a job and it was unfortunate what happened but I hope you’re OK, champ.”
Eubank Jr added: “You never gave up (and) proved yourself a true warrior. Not sure how long you’re in hospital but I’d like to come visit if possible.”
And Blackwell responded: “I haven’t watched the fight back yet but will watch it and out (of hospital) in the next few days but (it would) be good to see you.”
Blackwell won the vacant British title by stopping John Ryder in 2015, and successfully defended it twice before his defeat by Eubank Jr.