British boxer Raven Chapman could return to the UK next week after undergoing a second successful operation following a serious brain injury sustained during a training session in Denmark.

The 32-year-old former world title challenger collapsed after a sparring session on July 24 and was airlifted to hospital. Doctors diagnosed her with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema, requiring emergency surgery and intensive medical care.

Chapman was placed in a medically induced coma following the initial operation. Her management company, Vote Boxing, has now confirmed that she has undergone another successful procedure as doctors continue to monitor her recovery.

“This marks another important step in her recovery while also making it safer for her to travel back to the UK,” the company said in a statement.

The management team said that if her condition continues to improve, Chapman is expected to fly home sometime next week. She would then continue her rehabilitation surrounded by family and close friends.

“Although there is still a long road ahead, this is a significant milestone, and we remain hopeful as Raven continues to make progress each day,” the statement added.

Chapman, who was born in Norwich, has recorded 10 victories and two defeats during her professional boxing career. She became a prominent figure in women’s boxing after challenging for the WBC featherweight world title.

Her most notable defeat came against Skye Nicolson in October 2024, when the two fighters met for the WBC featherweight championship in Saudi Arabia. The bout was the first women’s world title fight staged in the country.

News of Chapman’s condition has prompted widespread support from the boxing community and the public. A GoFundMe campaign established to help cover the costs of her rehabilitation and after-care has raised more than £88,000.

Her management company thanked those who have contributed to the fundraiser and sent messages of support during her hospitalisation.

“Your generosity and support have meant more than words can express and have provided tremendous strength to Raven and her loved ones,” the statement said.

The campaign is expected to assist Chapman and her family with the continuing costs associated with her recovery once she returns to Britain.

While the latest operation has provided encouragement, Chapman still faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Her medical team will continue to assess her condition before and after the planned journey home.

For her family, supporters and colleagues in boxing, the possibility of returning to Britain represents another important stage in her recovery following the medical emergency in Denmark.

The focus now remains on her continued progress and ensuring she receives the specialist care and support required in the months ahead.

England secured top spot in Group L of the FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, while Croatia claimed second place after defeating Ghana 2-1, setting up an intriguing round of 32 lineup.

After a closely contested first half, England broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham turned home from a corner. Captain Harry Kane doubled the lead five minutes later, powering in a header to seal all three points for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The result ensured England finished first in the group and booked a round of 32 clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta next week.

Despite the victory, England produced another unconvincing display and will be looking for a stronger performance as the knockout stage begins.

Speaking after the match, Tuchel acknowledged the contest had been difficult but dismissed concerns over his team’s display.

“I know as a coach what it takes to win these matches. There is no problem if these matches feel tight or tough. It will help us in the next match,” he told reporters.

Croatia joined England in advancing after edging Ghana 2-1. Nikola Vlašić opened the scoring before Petar Sučić added another to secure second place in the group. Croatia will now meet Portugal in Toronto in the next round.

Although Ghana finished third in Group L, they also progressed to the knockout stage under the expanded 48-team tournament format. They are set to face Colombia in Kansas City for a place in the last 16.

Elsewhere, Argentina maintained their perfect group-stage record with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jordan. Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez put the defending champions in control before Lionel Messi added another goal after coming off the bench.

Messi curled a low free kick into the net to continue his outstanding tournament, taking his tally to six goals and strengthening his position as the competition’s leading scorer.

The Argentine captain now sits two goals clear of a group of challengers that includes France’s Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior and Norway striker Erling Haaland.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni’s side finished the group stage with three wins from three matches, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites.

Argentina will now face World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the round of 32, while England, Croatia and Ghana all prepare for knockout fixtures after successfully navigating the group stage.

With the tournament entering its elimination rounds, several of the leading contenders remain unbeaten, setting the stage for a highly competitive battle for the World Cup title.