NICK Blackwell's former trainer Gary Lockett has expressed his disbelief at the circumstances that have seen Trowbridge's former British middleweight champion back in hospital for surgery after a sparring session.

It is understood the 26 year old underwent a procedure to reduce swelling on his brain following the session last week, just months after being forced into retirement by the injuries sustained in his title defeat to Chris Eubank Jr at Wembley.

Blackwell had to be put into an induced coma following a bleed on the brain after that fight and does not have a licence to fight because of his previous injury.

The Wiltshire manhad recently opened up a new phase of his career and had earned his trainer's licence as well as assisting in the corner of his brother Dan, who has continued to box as a journeyman, and helping out at the Cardiff gym of his trainer Gary Lockett.

He was due to be in the corner for Welshman Liam Williams' vacant WBO European super welterweight title victory over Gabor Gorbics in Cardiff on Saturday, but was taken ill on Tuesday,

"I couldn't believe Nick would be so stupid as to put his health at risk," Lockett told BBC Sport Wales.

"I can't believe the boxer he sparred with, and coach or coaches involved, would ever allow Nick to spar when he's had a brain injury.

"In due course, I hope they are dealt with by the British Boxing Board of Control in the correct manner."

Lockett added: "I couldn't believe it. At this time, all our thoughts are with Nick and his family."

"We thought that was all going very well and while we knew Nick missed boxing, we obviously didn't realise the extent to which he missed it.

"I am deeply saddened by what has happened. Nick is not just an ex-boxer of mine, but also someone I consider to be a friend."

British Boxing Board of Control secretary Robert Smith says an investigation will begin this week.

"What we understand is that Nick Blackwell sparred, he was taken ill and taken to hospital where he is in a stable condition," he told the Telegraph.

"He no longer has a boxer's licence, but he does have a trainer's licence, which is a completely different thing. He should not have been boxing.

"I'm sickened by it. It's a very tough sport and the doctors here did a wonderful job to save his life.

"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."