Boxer Daniel MacKinnon, who was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after losing a brutal light heavyweight fight in Hamilton, has regained consciousness and is talking again.
His manager, Ken Reinsfield, says he will be moved from the intensive care unit to a general ward at Waikato Hospital as soon as space becomes available.
Reinsfield says he was able to speak to MacKinnon by phone.
"He was in good spirits and happy to be in the company of his wife and family," Reinsfield said on Sunday.
"It was the best phone call I think I have ever had. He is one tough individual."
MacKinnon fought Robert Berridge in the main undercard bout before the heavyweight clash between David Tua and Belarusian Alexander Ustinov on Saturday night.
Having been knocked down in the eight and ninth round, MacKinnon hit the canvas again in the 10th before the referee stopped the fight.
Berridge also went down in the ninth round of the scheduled 12-round contest.
MacKinnon was able to be interviewed in the ring but later collapsed in his dressing room.
Reinsfield said MacKinnon and his family wanted to thank hospital staff for the quality of care they provided during a difficult time.
MacKinnon, from Otorohanga, made his professional debut 10 years ago and the fight against Berridge was the 30th of his career.
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