Chris Eubank senior feels referees need to do more to protect fighters from themselves after Nick Blackwell was last night in an induced coma after suffering a bleed on the brain.

Blackwell was taken to hospital on Saturday night after Chris Eubank Junior claimed his British middleweight title at Wembley Arena.

Brighton’s Eubank Jr forced a tenth round stoppage against his Trowbridge rival – who then collapsed in his own corner after the result was announced.

The Eubank camp were given an update on the status of Blackwell, 25, yesterday but did not want to comment any further until the situation became clearer.

But new champion Eubank Jr joined the many well wishers on social media yesterday afternoon.

Eubank Jr tweeted: “Now I’ve earned the privilege to be called ‘The British Champ’.

“Unfortunately Nick is now in an induced coma... my thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends.

“He’s a true fighter & I whole heartedly believe he will pull through. Appreciate everyone that came out to support the fight #TeamEubank.”

It was a frightening reminder of a terrible night for former two-weight world champion Eubank senior.

Michael Watson was left with brain damage after a world title fight with Eubank senior at White Hart Lane in 1991.

Eubank senior, who was in his son’s corner last night as the fight was televised live on Channel 5, revealed afterwards he thought it should have been stopped earlier and pounded the ring apron to make his point before the eighth round.

He also told his son between rounds he could not understand why the fight had not been stopped.

Eubank senior said: “I did shout stop the fight but it is not my place to do that.

“I don’t want to alienate anyone. He (referee) has a job to do.”

Speaking in the dressing room after the fight, an emotional Eubank senior added: “The fighters are too brave for their own good.

“And that is why they need to be protected from themselves.”

Blackwell was only stopped in round ten after advice from the doctor who deemed the Wiltshire fighter was unable to continue due to swelling over his left eye.

Eubank Jr said: “I hit him with some big shots, maybe the referee should have stopped the fight earlier.”

Blackwell’s promoters, Hennessy Sports, tweeted on Sunday: “Thank you all for the messages of support for Nick Blackwell. We will be issuing updates when the time is right.”

The British Boxing Board of Control also gave an update which revealed there were no plans for surgery.

General secretary Robert Smith said: “He’s in intensive care. He’s in an induced coma and he is resting and being looked after by the experts.

“It’s a very normal procedure. They put you in a coma to get the swelling to go down.

“There’s no time-scale. Now it’s just a matter of waiting and seeing.”