Limerick boxer Lee Reeves recovering in ICU after 'vital operation'

The boxer has been in hospital since being stretchered from the ring after a bout on August 1

Lee Reeves: 'Lee has come out of surgery, he’s in the ICU now. And everything’s OK so far, so keep the fingers crossed,' said friend and former coach Jonathan O'Brien. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Limerick boxer Lee Reeves is recovering in intensive care in Dublin following surgery.

There had been calls for the "vital operation" to proceed after it was postponed on a number of occasions.

Reeves, 31, from Roxboro, was stretchered from the ring after a bout on August 1 and taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma. 

He was later transferred to the Mater Hospital, where he remains in intensive care.

His friend and former coach, Jonathan O’Brien, has been sharing updates on behalf of Mr Reeves’ family.

“Lee has come out of surgery, he’s in the ICU now. And everything’s OK so far, so keep the fingers crossed,” O’Brien said on Thursday.

He said the operation was “another step now to move forward” to rehabilitation.

“Lee will need a miracle, so keep praying. I'm begging you all, keep praying every day for Lee Reeves.”

 A number of fundraising events are set to take place to support Reeves and help his family with mounting medical expenses.

Southside Boxing and Treaty Boxing have organised a boxing tournament in Limerick, which will take place at the Galvone Industrial Estate on October 4 from 3pm.

Another fundraising event, a '5K for Lee Reeves', is due to be held at Phoenix Park in Dublin on October 11, starting at 9.30am from the Cabra Gate entrance.

Last week, senator Chris Andrews called on the HSE to ensure the  "vital operation" was carried out.