GRAYS boxer Tey Lynn-Jones admitting he was left shocked after hearing former British champion Nick Blackwell had been placed into a medically induced coma after his British title fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

Blackwell was carried from the ring on a stretcher after the fight was stopped in round 10, and was later put into an induced coma by doctors after they found a bleed on his brain.

Lynn-Jones had ring-side seats for Saturday night’s bout, after he was offered tickets by Blackwell in the run up to the fight. Blackwell had approached the 21-year old after a video of him sparring with Eubank Jr went viral at the end February, in which the newly crowned British middleweight champion seemingly knocked him out with a barrage of punches.

Blackwell labelled Eubank Jr “disgusting” after watching the 40-second clip although Lynn-Jones has since refuted the claims he was out cold, but said he was in Blackwell’s corner for the fight and said he agreed with the British Board of Boxing Control that the fight was handled in the right way, despite calls from pundits, neurosurgeons and Eubank Jr’s corner that the bout should have been stopped before the 10th round.

“It was fortunate enough to have been given two tickets by Blackwell before the fight,” said Lynn-Jones. “He had seen the video of Eubank Jr and I sparring and he got in touch which was good of him so I had a really good view of the fight from ring-side.

“I had Blackwell behind on the card as the fight came to an end but it was shocking to see him go down after it had ended. He looked OK in the fight, although he had obviously taken some damage, but he had thrown some pretty good punches himself.

“But this sort of thing is possible in boxing and in all sports. There is a risk involved and we all get in the ring knowing the risks but we love the sport.

“I have seen a lot of people saying the fight should have been stopped but it is easy to say that after what has happened.

“To be honest it was a good fight and I send my best wishes to him and his family.”

Blackwell remained in a coma at the time the Gazette went to press.

Lynn-Jones is now preparing for a boxing debut at the famous York Hall after winning his debut fight on March 4 at Grays’ Civic Hall. He will head to the venue on Friday, April 29 although his opponent is yet to be decided.

And he cannot wait for the bout.

“It is such a famous venue and I cannot wait to get out there and box,” he said. “I have watched a number of fights there but never competed so it will be a great experience. I have always wanted to compete there and now I have the chance I need to put on a good show.”