Boxer Adonis Stevenson In Coma Following KO Loss

In a sad reminder of the dangers of combat sports, former WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson was hospitalized following an 11th round KO loss to Oleksandr Gvozdyk in Quebec City, Canada. Originally listed as being in critical condition on Saturday night, Stevenson was placed in a medical coma and has since been upgraded to stable.

”The state of Adonis has gone from criticism to a shift towards stability from yesterday to today which is, under the circumstances, good news,” promoter Yvon Michel wrote in French on Twitter. “He regains his strength in controlled sedation. All his family, his wife Simone and Groupe Yvon Michel warmly thank the many people who take the time to send comforting messages.

Via RDS:

Initially placed under observation for six hours, Stevenson’s condition appears to have deteriorated to the point of resorting to an artificial coma, which may be induced for anesthetic purposes, in cases of hematoma or cerebral hemorrhage, to reduce pressure on the brain and reduce pain during the treatment phase.

A health professional who requested anonymity then explained to RDS.ca that the available information is too fragmented and that any comment on Stevenson’s state of health or possible consequences is pure speculation for the moment.

The loss to Oleksandr Gvozdyk was just the second of the 41 year old Stevenson’s career and first since 2010. Gvozdyk was considered a stiff test for Stevenson, and the two went back and forth across a hard fight that saw them both land uncounted knockdowns before a final violent exchange in the 11th.

Here’s hoping we can update you with positive news over the next few days.