Chris Eubank's former trainer has leapt to the defence of the beleaguered British Boxing Board of Control.

Ronnie Davies is concerned about the Board's future after they lost their appeal today against a ruling making them liable for the devastating brain damage suffered by Michael Watson in his fight against Hove's Eubank nine years ago.

The Court of Appeal upheld a High Court decision that the BBBC breached their 'duty of care' to Watson, who is claiming around £1 million compensation, because ringside resuscitation facilities were inadequate.

But Davies says Watson knew the risks when he stepped into the ring at White Hart Lane.

Watson, now 35 and wheelchair-bound, was struck down at the peak of his career by head injuries sustained during his WBO world title bout against former champ Eubank in September 1991.

His case led to the introduction of tighter ringside safeguards.

Davies, who was in Eubank's corner for the ill-fated fight, said: "At that time the regulations weren't as tight.

"While I have the greatest sympathy for Watson I don't see why the Board should have to pay that amount of compensation.

"He knew the risks when he went into that fight, the same as Eubank did. Sometimes things like that happen.

"The Board over the years has been one of the highest respected bodies in the world. I have been licensed by them since the age of 18 as a boxer, trainer, manager and promoter.

"I never heard Chris Eubank complain once about the way the Board has governed the sport and I will be very sad if it folds.

"We are all like a family, very close. Everyone is there for each other."

Although Watson's claim would bankrupt the Board, there is no immediate danger to their future.

Davies said: "I have spoken to the Board, because I have four shows booked for Hove Town Hall next year.

"They have told me not to worry as nothing will be sorted out for another year.

"The regulations are very strict now. Unfortunately it always takes an accident to happen first."

The appeal judges heard that the BBBC-approved doctor who initially atended Watson at White Hart Lane did not enter the ring until seven minutes after the fight had been stopped.

No emergency ventilation and intubation equipment was available and the doctor was not experienced in resuscitation procedures.

By the time Watson underwent surgery to remove a blood clot, he had suffered serious brain damage.

In September last year, a High Court judge ruled that Watson was entitled to damages from the Board on the grounds that he would have made a good recovery if the doctor had entered the ring immediately and the necessary emergency equipment and experiened medics had been present.

Although Watson's claim would bankrupt the Board, there is no immediate danger to their future.

Davies said: "I have spoken to the Board, because I have four shows booked for Hove Town Hall next year. They have told me not to worry as nothing will be sorted out for another year.

"The regulations are very strict now. Unfortunately it always takes an accident to happen first."

The appeal judges heard that the BBBC-approved doctor who initially attended Watson at White Hart Lane did not enter the ring until seven minutes after the fight had been stopped.

No emergency ventilation and intubation equipment was available and the doctor was not experienced in resuscitation procedures. By the time Watson underwent surgery to remove a blood clot, he had suffered serious brain damage.

In September last year, a High Court judge ruled that Watson was entitled to damages from the Board on the grounds that he would have made a good recovery if the doctor had entered the ring immediately and the necessary emergency equipment and experienced medics had been present.

At the Court of Appeal, the BBBC argued that it was purely a regulatory body and did not organise fights or arrange for medical assistance, which was the responsibility of the boxers or the organisers and promoters.

Meanwhile, doctors treating boxer Paul Ingle were today hoping to start weaning him off coma-inducing drugs, despite him remaining in a critical condition. Surgeons deliberately induced a coma to stop the fighter moving after they removed a blood clot on his brain following his ill-fated world title defence against South Africa's Mbulelo Botile in Sheffield on Saturday night The 28-year-old featherweight was today said to be "critical but stable".

Consultant neurosurgeon Robert Battersby said it was too early to determine what long-term effects the boxer may have suffered.