Nick Blackwell: Trowbridge boxer back in hospital after sparring session

The former British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell is in hospital after suffering an injury in a sparring session.

The Trowbridge boxer had retired from competition after he collapsed and was put into an induced coma following a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. in March.

The 26-year-old was found to have suffered a bleed on the skull but made an encouraging recovery from his injuries.

Blackwell was put into an induced coma after collapsing following defeat to Chris Eubank Jr in March. Credit: PA Images

Why was Nick Blackwell fighting again?

Nick Blackwell had his boxer's licence removed by the British Boxing Board of Control after announcing his retirement and although he retained a trainer's licence, this did not allow him to train with other boxers in sparring sessions.

Sparring is a form of training where fighters make the motions of boxing but avoid heavy blows to ensure there are no injuries. Most boxers will spar with a number of opponents ahead of a fight to ensure they are prepared without being injured.

Blackwell has been criticised for getting back into the ring. Credit: PA Images

A report on the Daily Telegraph website said Blackwell had undergone a surgical procedure following the sparring session during the week.

The general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control Robert Smith confirmed to Press Association Sport that Blackwell was in hospital:

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