Nick Blackwell has a small bleed on the brain, according to British Boxing Board of Control General Secretary Robert Smith, following the Trowbridge man’s gutsy performance against Chris Eubank Jr.

The 25 year-old took some heavy punishment from the talented Eubank without taking a backward step on Saturday night and had to be stopped on his feet to take the decision to keep fighting out of his own hands.

‘Bang Bang’ showed the heart of a lion at the SSE Arena before being transported to hospital immediately after the fight and after a couple of hours of silence, an update finally came on the former Lonsdale Belt holder in the early hours of Easter Sunday.

Smith told Gareth A. Davies of The Telegraph that Blackwell ‘had immediately received a scan in hospital, where it was discovered that he had suffered a small bleed on his brain, and medical experts were taking full care of him and would make a decision on whether to operate.’

Further suggestions from a source close to the family say that Blackwell has been put in an induced coma.

Opponent Chris Eubank Jr has paid tribute to Blackwell since the pair shared ten hard rounds by stating: “You put up a great fight tonight. Proved yourself a true warrior. I wish you a quick recovery and a speedy return to the ring.”

Much more will become clear on Sunday morning, but for now, the whole boxing fraternity have their fingers crossed that Blackwell will make a full recovery.

(UPDATE CORRECT AS OF 10AM UK / 5AM US – 27th March)