Irish boxer Lee Reeves remains unconscious 76 days after suffering a devastating knockout against Gary Cully in Dublin, with the 31-year-old now receiving physiotherapy at a hospital closer to his family.
Reeves suffered a serious brain injury following his tenth-round knockout defeat at Dublin’s 3Arena on August 1. His family and friends continue to wait for the news everyone in boxing wants to hear.
The Limerick fighter has been transferred to University Hospital Limerick after receiving treatment at Beaumont and the Mater hospitals in Dublin.
According to an October 13 report by Emma Dineen of Limerick Voice, Reeves recently underwent surgery to replace a section of his skull that had been removed to relieve pressure on his brain.
His friend and former boxer Jonathan O’Brien confirmed on October 8 that Reeves was stable following the operation but had not regained consciousness.
A further update on October 16 confirmed Reeves remains unconscious but has begun physiotherapy, including spending around 25 to 30 minutes out of bed in a specialist chair.
Lee Reeves Returns to Limerick
The transfer means Reeves is now closer to his family and friends after more than two months receiving treatment in Dublin.
David O’Mahony of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, an organization Reeves has supported as an ambassador, welcomed his return.
“Lee is home at the moment now. It’s easier for us to visit him, easier for his family. That was the main thing, to get him home, back to Limerick,” O’Mahony told Limerick Voice.
World Boxing News reported on August 3 that Reeves had undergone emergency surgery after being stretchered from the ring following his defeat to Cully.
His opponent later expressed his concern for Reeves and his family.
“Right now my thoughts are with Lee and his family, just praying for his full recovery,” Cully said.
Boxing Rallies Around Reeves
Support for Reeves has continued throughout his hospitalization, with a fundraising appeal established by O’Brien having raised more than €120,000.
WBN previously revealed that Queensberry Promotions, which staged the event, had made a €23,327 contribution, the largest listed when WBN reported on the donation in August.
Local organizations, boxing clubs and supporters have also organized fundraising events to help Reeves and his family.
Fellow Irish boxer Tommy Hyde highlighted the work Reeves had done for others before his injury.
“Lee has spent years helping others, supporting people through some of their darkest times and giving so much back to his community. Now it’s time to give back to Lee,” Hyde said.
One Last Round for Lee Reeves
The move to Limerick and the start of physiotherapy mark further stages in Reeves’ treatment, although he has still not regained consciousness.
His family has previously appealed for patience and privacy as the wait for his recovery continues.
In August, Reeves’ sister Shannon delivered a message that captured the family’s determination.
“One last round. One last fight,” Shannon wrote.
“We are ready whenever you are.”
More than two months after the knockout that left Reeves fighting for his recovery, those words remain as powerful as ever.
The boxer who spent years helping others through their darkest moments now has an entire community behind him as his own fight continues.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
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