Adonis Stevenson placed in coma after knockout defeat against Oleksandr Gvozdyk

The weekend’s forgotten world title fight has left defeated light heavyweight champion Adonis Stephenson fighting for his life in hospital.

Former light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson is in critical condition in intensive care.

The latest reports out of Canada reveal vanquished light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson is still fighting for his life in intensive care at a hospital in Quebec City.

Stevenson, 41, who was boxing’s oldest and longest-reigning champion, has been placed in a coma as a preventive measure in case of a possible brain haemorrhage after being savagely beaten by Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk, his promoter told Journal de Montreal.

“The state of Adonis has gone from critical towards stable from yesterday to today which is relatively good news,” promoter Yvon Michel said. “He is in controlled sedation to facilitate his recuperation.”

“It’s an accident and it’s an event that was not predictable,” Michel added. “I have never experienced such a situation in my 38-year career.”

According to this report in the Journal de Montreal, Adonis Stevenson has been put in an artificial coma as a preventative measure in case he is suffering from a brain hemorrhage. He is currently in intensive care at a local Quebec City hospital. Tragic. https://t.co/Iip3lHKOX5

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 2, 2018

Stevenson, who has not ventured out of Canada for more than seven years, was making his 10th title defence since winning his belt in 2013 by defeating American Chad Dawson.

He was ahead on two judges’ cards and tied on the third when Gvozdyk, 31, unloaded a barrage of rights and lefts in the 11th round that sent the Canadian champion reeling before landing his knockout blow.

A crushing right hand left Stevenson leaning awkwardly on the ropes. He was put on a stretcher after the fight and left Videotron Centre in an ambulance.

The University Hospital of Quebec confirmed to AFP that the Haitian born boxer, 41, “was admitted to the emergency room,” without giving further details.

“I talked to the people at the hospital. He was very confused when he arrived, we suspect a concussion,” Gvozdyk told a press conference on Saturday night. “It’s very disturbing.”

Gvozdyk, who won an Olympic bronze medal for Ukraine at the London 2012 Games claimed the belt in his first shot at a major title.

Adonis Stevenson was leading on the judges’ scorecards before he was knocked out.

Michel wrote a statement on Twitter, revealing Stephenson was in critical condition in intensive care in hospital.

“The family of @AdonisSuperman and the leaders of Groupe Yvon Michel are currently with Adonis Stevenson,” he began.

“They wish to inform friends and supporters that Adonis is currently in critical condition in intensive care at the hospital, following his fight against Oleksander Gvozdyk.

“They appreciate the concern and support of all. There will be no other comments for the moment, and they respectfully ask for your understanding in their desire to stay in private.”

Social media was quick to react to the sad development.

Prayers up for Adonis Stevenson who is hospitalized and in critical condition. #Boxing is ALWAYS unified in sending healing thoughts and prayers to our injured warriors. We do so now.

— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) December 2, 2018

Yvon Michel saying Adonis Stevenson is in critical condition. #boxing https://t.co/C6APTKzxwh

— Mark Ortega (@MarkEOrtega) December 2, 2018

Have reached out to multiple people regarding Adonis Stevenson’s condition but information scarce right now. After 3 a.m. local time in Quebec 🙏

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) December 2, 2018

Gvozdyk improved his record to 16-0 with 13 knockouts. After the fight he heaped praise on his trainer Teddy Atlas.

“This win means everything to me. I’ve trained my whole life for this and tonight all of the hard work was worth it,” Gvozdyk said.

“Having Teddy [Atlas] in my corner was a huge help. He knew exactly what to say to me. We trained so well for this fight and I knew I was going to get the knockout.

“Adonis was a great champion, but it’s my time now. He got me with a good shot in the 10th round but I handled it and finished him.

“Right now, I just want to rest before I discuss my next step. I definitely want to stay at 175 pounds.”

The loss sees Stevenson dropped to 29-2-1 with his first loss since 2010 and first in Canada.

Stevenson also fell in the third round after getting hit by Gvozdyk but referee Michael Griffin said it was a slip.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk raises the Ukrainian flag after his WBC light heavyweight win.

— with AP