NICK Blackwell has communicated publicly for the first time since waking from an induced coma following his British middleweight title defeat to Chris Eubank Jr late last month.

In a message posted on his brother Dan’s Facebook account, the 25-year-old thanked everyone that had supported him since he was hospitalised after suffering a bleed on the skull following his punishing loss to Eubank Jr at Wembley Arena on March 26.

Stellar names from across the world of boxing have offered their support for Blackwell since he was rushed to St Mary's Hospital in London, with heavyweight star David Haye pledging 10 per cent of ticket sales from his upcoming clash with Arnold Gjergjaj to ‘Bang Bang’ and Sheffield middleweight Adam Etches also setting up a Crowdfunding page, which raised close to £12,000, to support the Trowbridge star.

The post on Dan Blackwell’s Facebook page read: “A message from Nick - 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 to who raised money for me.

“I feel truly blessed and have massive love for you all, (and) 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.”