SERIOUS injuries in boxing are rare, but when they occur, the sport that causes them inevitably rallies around the victim with heart-warming care and generosity. The latest case in point is that of Jerome Wilson, the 29-year-old welterweight who fell into a coma after being knocked out in three rounds by Serge Ambomo in Sheffield on September 12. Around 10 days later, Wilson emerged from unconsciousness and has been been improving ever since.
Wilson’s promoter, David Coldwell, has set up a tax-free community trust account for his fighter and on Sunday, former British champion Curtis Woodhouse sparred with Tommy Coyle – who took time out from preparing for Michael Katsidis – in front of a paying audience, with all proceeds going to Wilson. The event included raffles and auctions, Ryan Rhodes’ daughter singing, and it was sponsored by top trainer Adam Booth, Matchroom, Kaizen Living and the Sport Bible.
Approximately £9,400 was raised and Coldwell, who admits he considered his own future in the game in the aftermath of the disaster, has been delighted with both the support, and Wilson’s progress.
“He’s getting there,” said Coldwell. “He sounds as though he’s tired when he’s talking but he’s such a fighter and his progress has been incredible since he woke from the coma. His long term memory is fine, and he’s talking about old sparring from 10 years ago. He’s absolutely overwhelmed by the support of the boxing community, it’s shocked him, and can’t believe some of the big names who have been so forthcoming with their time and generosity.”
Wilson is showing signs of improvement on a daily basis, and it is expected that he will soon begin rehab.
“Bit by bit we expect him to fight his way back,” said Coldwell. “He’s immensely strong, he has fighting genes, and he was in phenomenal shape before and that should him when he enters rehab.”
If anyone would like to donate to the Jerome Wilson rehabilitation fund they can do so by going into a Barclays Bank, or by transferring funds online to Account number: 63868354, Sort Code: 20-76-92.
