Liam Wilkins, a trainer, and Hasan Karkardi, a professional light-heavyweight boxer, we disciplined by the Board last month for their part in Blackwell ending up in a second coma in eight months last November.
Former UK middleweight title holder Blackwell had previously made a remarkable recovery from being put in hospital following a loss to Chris Eubank Jr. in March 2016, although went against doctor’s orders never to take another blow to the head.
Having initially come out the other side of a seven-day coma, a fateful day before Christmas saw the 27 year-old sparring with Kardardi in the gym as Wilkins observed.
The Trowbridge man now faces up to a year recovering in a bid to regain all his faculties, whilst Wilkins was suspended from coaching for life and Karardi from boxing for six months – something both men plan to fight.
“We will be challenging both the board’s procedure and their findings as to the facts, which were made in the face of a substantial documentary and witness evidence to the contrary.
“We will be making no further comment until the appeal process has concluded,” said a statement on behalf of the pair.
Karkardi lost his last bout in July after putting together a seven-fight winning run but could be back in action by June, even if the Board turn down his appeal.
