According to official figures from the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (B.A.R.B), the March 26 clash between Nick Blackwell and Chris Eubank Jr. brought in almost 1.5 million viewers.

The boxing event represented the second highest ratings for any programme on Channel 5 over the week March 20 to March 27, missing out on top spot by 300,000 to ‘The Tube: Going Underground’ shown the previous Monday.

Channel 5’s big US import ‘Gotham’ was third on 1.4 million.

Eubank Jr stopped Blackwell in the tenth round of an enthralling but one-sided battle which culminated in the latter being hospitalized and put into an induced coma following a small bleed on the brain.

Blackwell’s was awoken from his coma seven days after the boxing world rallied round one of their own.

Several fighters, including Adam Etches and Kell Brook, have been raising money for the stricken former British title holder who fought bravely and stood toe-to-toe with Eubank until the fight was called off a ringside doctor.

Channel 5’s strong figures come despite heavyweight hope Hughie Fury’s fight being delayed and shown off TV due to medical staff helping Blackwell in the aftermath of the main event.

Cousin and world top division king Tyson Fury even filled in for the ring girls during Hughie’s win over Dominick Guinn..