Teenage boxer suffered brain damage in first fight

A teenage boxer has been left wheelchair-bound after suffering brain damage in his first-ever fight.

Nathan Davies, of Porthcawl, was rushed to hospital after he collapsed in the third round of his boxing debut.

The 17-year-old was on a life support machine for two-and-a-half weeks with a bleed on the brain.

But the damage done to his brain means Nathan has lost the use of his limbs and now needs a wheelchair.

Nathan's dad, Martin Davies called the experience "worse than a nightmare".

He said:

The youngster had taken to the ring for a bout meant to be a step towards national trials.

The teenager was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff after he collapsed in June last year.

His supporters have launched fundraising projects to aid his recovery, but say he faces a "tough battle" following his life-saving surgery.

Former WBU middleweight champion Gary Lockett is one of the tragic teen's high-profile supporters and has been helping to raise money.

Mr Lockett said:

Mr Lockett was in the corner of pro boxer Nick Blackwell during a fight which saw him put into an induced coma following a bout with Chris Eubank Jr last year.

He said it was this experience which prompted him to help Nathan and his family.

A JustGiving page set up by the ex-professional boxer aims to raise £40,000 for the 17-year-old.