NICK BLACKWELL is in a "stable condition" in hospital after being injured during a sparring session earlier this week.

Blackwell, 26, was forced to hang up his gloves following a brutal British middleweight title defeat to Chris Eubank Jr in March.

5 Nick Blackwell ended up in a coma after his fight against Chris Eubank Jnr Credit: Reuters

He collapsed after the bout and was rushed to St Mary's in Paddington, where he spent a week in a medically-induced coma having suffered bleeding on the skull.

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The Trowbridge warrior made a full recovery and collected his trainer's licence from the British Boxing Board of Control last month as he looked towards the next chapter of his career.

But it emerged tonight that his love of boxing had lured him to lace up his gloves again — with disastrous consequences.

Robert Smith, general secretary of the BBBofC, told SunSport: "I understand he was sparring, fell ill, was taken to hospital and then underwent a procedure.

"I don't know exactly what the procedure was, other than the fact they tried to relieve pressure on the brain and he's now in a stable condition. That's all I know."

5 Robert Smith was shocked to hear Blackwell had gone back in ring Credit: PA:Press Association Archive

5 Blackwell was forced to retire from boxing after being placed in a coma following his fight with Eubank Jr Credit: Reuters

Speaking from ringside at Wembley Arena — where Blackwell had lost to Eubank Jr — Smith's concern was tinged with disappointment that Blackwell had dared to risk his health.

He added: "I'm sickened by it. It's a very tough sport and the doctors here did a wonderful job to save his life. The doctors at hospital saved his life and kept him going.

"He made remarkable recovery and for somebody to go and do what he's done, for what I thought was a very sensible young man, is just beyond belief."

Blackwell has been working with younger brother Dan, a journeyman boxer, and was helping out his old trainer Gary Lockett at the Welshman's gym in Cardiff.

5 Nick Blackwell suffered bleeding on the skull after defeat

5 Fighter took rounds of punishment from Eubank Jr before he was stopped

But Blackwell had not been able to hide the fact he desperately missed fighting — despite still having an active role in boxing.

In an interview with iFL TV earlier this week, he said: "It has been hard, real hard. All of a sudden it's hit me that I can't fight again.

"Taking the lads, like my brother Dan, doing his corner and training him, and helping Gary, I'm still involved in a big way.

"But watching the lads fight, it makes me want to fight even more. It doesn't actually help me, it makes things worse.

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"Now I can't do it, it's horrible. If I had a million quid I'd pay that to fight again and be back to how I was — that's how bad it is.

"I probably could fight again if I wanted to. I'd have to go for a medical and stuff, but I spoke to Gary and said 'if I was fine to fight again would you train me?' and he said 'no'.

"I wouldn't have anyone else in my corner, so if Gary wouldn't train me I wouldn't come back."

The BBBofC are investigating the circumstances surrounding Blackwell's latest injury.

Retired former IBF world middleweight champ Darren Barker said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Nick and his family and friends."