TROWBRIDGE boxer Nick Blackwell is expected to wake from his induced coma in the next 48 to 72 hours, according to reports tonight.

Blackwell, 25, was taken to hospital after collapsing following Saturday's British middleweight title fight with Chris Eubank Jr, which was stopped in round 10.

The Wiltshire fighter suffered a small bleed on the brain but has not required surgery and has been in an induced coma since.

However, Blackwell's family are hopeful that the heavily sedated fighter will come out of the coma within the next 48 to 72 hours, as doctors reduce the amount of drugs.

BBC boxing correspondent Mike Costello told BBC Radio 5 Live tonight: "I'm told the vital signs are good and doctors are cautiously optimistic.''

Blackwell has received support from across the world of boxing and beyond, with a Crowdfunding initiative set up by Sheffield middleweight Adam Etches rising rapidly towards its £10,000 target.

There have also been calls for the British Boxing Board of Control to award him the Lonsdale belt outright.