Raven Chapman recovery: boxer returns to pad and bag work after July brain bleed

Raven Chapman recovery update: the boxer has returned to pad and bag work following the brain bleed she suffered during sparring in July, thanking her trainer and the boxing community for supporting her.

The 32-year-old put on gloves again this week, but has not announced a return to competitive boxing. Speaking to BBC South Today, she said she doubts she would receive another licence and would be reluctant to put her loved ones through the risks again.

“I loved it, I think I smiled my whole way through it,” Chapman said of wearing gloves again, in the BBC report republished by Yahoo Sports.

Raven Chapman recovery after emergency surgery

Chapman collapsed after a sparring session in Denmark on 24 July and was airlifted to hospital. Her management team said she was diagnosed with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema.

Emergency surgery stopped the bleeding and helped stabilise the swelling, according to the team’s statement, reported by Sky Sports in August. She was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma.

In her latest interview, Chapman credited trainer Stuart Scott with recognising that she was not behaving normally and calling an ambulance. She believes his quick response may have saved her life.

Chapman recalled feeling well before the session and said she believed she was in surgery within an hour of the ambulance being called.

Fundraiser has raised almost £98,000 for rehabilitation

A fundraiser organised with her family’s support had raised £97,792 as of 29 October 2026 towards bringing her back to the UK and supporting her rehabilitation and aftercare.

The page says the money is managed by her family. Donations were paused when checked on 29 October.

Chapman thanked those who contributed and said she intends to use the support to help her recovery. She described being moved by the response from the boxing community.

Enjoying boxing without a competitive comeback

Chapman said she had initially needed a wheelchair during her recovery. Returning to gloves allowed her to enjoy familiar parts of boxing again, even though she does not expect to resume her fighting career.

Chapman acknowledged the disappointment of being unable to pursue her ambitions in the ring. “I’m gutted that I’m not going to achieve the dreams I did have,” she told BBC South Today.

She said she may eventually help other boxers pursue their ambitions, but has not decided what she wants to do next.

Chapman’s professional record stands at 10 wins and two defeats. She challenged Skye Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title in October 2024, losing by unanimous decision, as Reuters reported.

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Raven Chapman recovery: your questions answered

What happened to Raven Chapman?

Chapman suffered a brain bleed after sparring in Denmark on 24 July. She underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

Is Raven Chapman returning to competitive boxing?

She has not announced a competitive return. Her latest update concerns putting on gloves for pad and bag work during her recovery.

How much did Raven Chapman’s fundraiser raise?

At the time of writing on 29 October 2026, the fundraiser had raised £97,792 towards her repatriation, rehabilitation and aftercare.

Who is Raven Chapman?

Chapman is a 32-year-old British boxer with a professional record of 10 wins and two defeats. She challenged Skye Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title in October 2024, losing by unanimous decision.