DOCTORS treating boxer Paul Ingle say he has attempted to speak for the first time since suffering life-threatening injuries in the ring.

The 28-year-old from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, had emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain after his IBF Featherweight title fight with South Africa's Mbulelo Botile in Sheffield on December 16.

A spokesman for Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital said last night: "Paul's condition is now classified as ill but improving and he has progressed over the last few days.

"During this time, Paul has been attempting to speak, which is a good sign. However, we still can't say how long it will be before he is able to be moved closer to his home.