BOXER John Joe Nevin broke both of his legs following a brutal assault in Mullingar on Saturday.
The Westmeath boxer received confirmation from his hospital doctors yesterday.
The attack took place at Ardleigh Crescent with the London Olympics silver medallist’s breaking his right leg in two places.
But after a scan was carried out yesterday afternoon on his lower left leg, it was found that it is fractured above the ankle.
"I'm shocked, but this won't stop me getting back in the ring," Nevin told the Westmeath Topic newspaper.
He also described how “[his] leg just went” after he tried to stand following the assault on Saturday morning.
After initially thinking that he had only sustained bruising on his left leg, doctors at Tullamore Regional Hospital confirmed Nevin’s worst fears that it was broken.
His manager, Tom Moran of Greenblood boxing, confirmed that the boxer will be confined to a wheelchair for a few weeks; a devastating blow for the boxer who began his professional career last month with a convincing win over Alberto Candelaria in Boston on St Patrick's Day.
Nevin has said that he is determined to return to the ring later this year.
Moran said that Greenblood is still committed to him and added that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" .
The manager declared that he is hopeful that Nevin will return to Philadelphia to begin rehabilitation as soon as he is able to travel, which may only be in July.
"We have big plans for John Joe, and despite this being a huge setback, one positive to bring from it is that he will be trying to strengthen both legs at the same time when he begins rehab.”
Two men were arrested for the attack, which the boxer believed was motivated by jealousy.
They were released without charge but a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecution.
Nevin has not declared whether he is going to press charges.
