Boxer placed in an induced coma after being defeated by Chris Eubank Jnr

Nick Blackwell is in an induced coma this morning following his defeat to Chris Eubank Jnr in a British middleweight title fight in London last night.

It's reported that Blackwell sustained a 'small bleed' on his brain during the fight and sources close Blackwell have said that the boxer was stable.

Speaking to the media, the source said:

"The brain hasn't swollen overnight. Doctors say that's encouraging. The team are all still at hospital where he's in induced coma. Slowly taking him off sedatives now."

During Chris Eubank Snr's career, an opponent required immediate brain surgery after losing a super-middle world title fight to Eubank. Michael Watson, spent a year in intensive care and required 24-hour care in the aftermath of the bout in which he sustained a heavy blow at the end of the 11th round.

Messages of support are pouring into social media this morning for the seriously injured Nick Blackwell.

Remember what happened to Nick Blackwell & others when you sit behind a keyboard giving abuse. All fighters, at all levels, deserve respect

— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) March 27, 2016

Thoughts are with #NickBlackwell and his family ...

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 27, 2016

All should keep prayers for @nickblackwell02 big hart God bless you brother

— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) March 27, 2016

Our thoughts are with Nick Blackwell who has had to be put into a coma due to bleeding on his skull. Keep fighting 👊 pic.twitter.com/RzAU68fzNT

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) March 27, 2016

Thoughts & prayers are with Nick Blackwell..hope he's ok!!

— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) March 26, 2016

Clinical from @ChrisEubankJr tonight , big effort from @nickblackwell02 fingers crossed he's alright !!

— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) March 26, 2016

Firstly credit 2 🔔🔚 good performance. But wat a tough guy @nickblackwell02 is wish he'd won as he's a gent he'll be back #BlackwellEubankJr

— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) March 26, 2016

will u all pray for @nickblackwell02 please ASAP as he has been taken to hospital, God be with him,

— Gypsy King (@Tyson_Fury) March 26, 2016

Let's all send love & positive energy to the brave warrior @NickBlackwell02 & his family as they battle through his toughest fight yet.

— David Haye (@mrdavidhaye) March 27, 2016

All should keep prayers for @nickblackwell02 big hart God bless you brother

— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) March 27, 2016