Stricken boxer Daniel MacKinnon is conscious and talking to his friends and family less than 24 hours after undergoing surgery to relieve bleeding on his brain.
The 30-year-old veteran pro had been left fighting for his life after losing a brutal light heavyweight contest with Robert 'The Butcher' Berridge onthe undercard of David Tua's fight against Alexander Ustinov in Hamilton.
MacKinnon was due to be moved out of Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit on Sunday night. His wife and close family members spent Saturday night at his hospital bedside.
MacKinnon was stopped by Berridge in the tenth round of a brutal title fight in which both boxers were knocked down. MacKinnon ended the fight on his feet when it was stopped by the referee and was able to conduct a post-fight interview in the ring.
Around 15 minutes after the fight he complained of head pains as he was preparing to take a shower, Reinsfield said.
He was then rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
In a statement released this evening, his manager Karl Reinsfield said he was able to speak with MacKinnon on the phone and the boxer was in "good spirits".
"It was the best phone calls I think I have ever had - he is one tough individual.
"On behalf of Dan and his family I would like to send our thanks to the Waikato Hospital surgeons and staff for their outstanding care during what was an incredibly difficult time."
