SAN ANTONIO — Boxer Oscar Diaz has been released from a hospital seven months after being beaten into a coma during a nationally televised fight.

University Hospital in San Antonio said Monday the 26-year-old welterweight fighter was discharged Thursday. Diaz had remained hospitalized since awakening from the coma in September.

Dr. David Jimenez, the boxer's chief neurosurgeon, told the San Antonio Express-News that Diaz entered a local rehabilitation facility. He said Diaz can sit up in a chair, respond to commands and smiles when someone tells a joke.

The doctor said he was optimistic that Diaz would be able to walk and talk again.

Diaz collapsed in his corner before the 11th round of his fight July 16 with Delvin Rodriguez.