Nick Blackwell said yesterday that he has been in the “toughest fight of his life” after waking from an induced coma.

The 25-year-old fighter has spoken publicly for the first time since being taken to hospital following his British middleweight title defeat to Chris Eubank Jnr last month.

The Trowbridge boxer suffered a bleed on the skull following the loss at Wembley.

In a message posted on his brother Daniel’s Facebook account, Blackwell thanked everyone who had supported him over the past couple of weeks.

He wrote: “Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been there for me, all my friends and family, those who wished me well and those who raised money for me.

“I feel truly blessed and have massive love for you all. I couldn’t have done it without you.

“It’s been the toughest fight of my life and you all have made it that bit easier.

“On to rehab now, progress is getting better by the day. Big love to you all, Nick.”