2026-08-05 16:30:23
Raven Chapman remains in induced coma after emergency brain surgery following a sparring collapse.
The British professional boxer and former world title challenger, 32, is still in hospital after spending nearly two weeks in an induced coma following a serious brain injury suffered during a sparring session in Denmark.
She collapsed after training and underwent emergency surgery after doctors diagnosed a bleed on the brain.
Chapman, who challenged for the WBC featherweight world title in 2024 and has established herself as one of Britain’s leading female boxers, became ill after a training session on 24 July.
She was airlifted to a hospital in Denmark, where doctors diagnosed a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema before carrying out emergency surgery to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling.
Medical staff then placed her in an induced coma to aid her recovery.
Her team confirmed this week doctors have begun reducing her sedation while she continues to receive treatment ahead of an expected transfer to a hospital in the UK, where rehabilitation is anticipated to take “some time”.
Providing an update on her condition, Chapman’s team said: “Doctors are doing everything they can to support her recovery, and we remain hopeful as she continues to fight through this incredibly difficult time.
“Raven’s family are in Denmark supporting her during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask that their privacy is respected.
“At this stage, this is the only update we are able to provide. If there are any significant developments, we will share further information when it is appropriate to do so.
“Thank you for your continued support. Please keep Raven and her loved ones in your thoughts during this challenging time.”
The Norwich fighter has compiled a professional record of 10 victories and two defeats since turning professional and has become one of Britain’s best-known featherweights.
Her highest-profile contest came in 2024 when she challenged Australia’s Skye Nicholson, 30, for the WBC featherweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chapman was beaten by unanimous decision in that contest, which took place on the undercard of the undisputed light heavyweight title fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
Despite the defeat, the bout marked a significant milestone in her career, establishing her among the leading names in women’s boxing.
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to help cover the costs of Chapman’s rehabilitation and ongoing aftercare. More than £14,000 has already been raised towards a £28,000 target.
Former promoter Frank Warren shared the fundraising page on X and appealed for support.
He wrote: “Raven is fully in my thoughts this morning, I’m really hoping she can pull through and get home safely.
“Everyone at Queensberry is behind you Raven, we’re all hoping you can pull through this.”
Queensberry also issued a statement, saying: “Everyone at Queensberry is devastated to hear about our former fighter Raven Chapman. We’re all hoping for a full recovery.”
Chapman’s family remain by her bedside in Denmark as doctors continue her treatment before arrangements are made for her transfer back to the UK.
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