Adonis Stevenson upgraded from critical to stable after brutal knockout loss against Oleksandr Gvozdyk
The Canadian left Videotron Centre in an ambulance after the 11th-round stoppage and remains in an induced coma
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Adonis Stevenson has been upgraded from critical to stable condition and remains in an induced coma after being knocked out on Saturday in his light heavyweight title fight.
The Canadian lost his WBC light heavyweight title after an 11th-round stoppage by Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his home country, and was forced to leave the ring on a stretcher before being taken from Videotron Centre to hospital in an ambulance.
Stevenson’s promoter Yvon Michel tweeted about the 41-year-old’s condition.
“The state of Adonis has gone from critical towards stable from yesterday to today which is a relatively good news. He is in controlled sedation to facilitate his recuperation,” Michel said.
“His family, his wife Simone and Groupe Yvon Michel would like to thank the many people who have taken the time to send comforting messages. New information will be published as we get it. No other comments will be made until then.”
Gvozdyk stopped Stevenson at 2:49 of the 11th round Saturday night to take the Canadians' WBC light heavyweight title in Quebec.
Stevenson was making his 10th title defence since winning the belt against Chad Dawson in 2013. He was ahead on two of the judges' card and tied on the third when he was stopped.
The Canadian fell early in the third round after getting hit by Gvozdyk, but referee Michael Griffin said it was a slip. Gvozdyk, however, was the more aggressive of the two and it showed for the rest of the round.
In the sixth round, Stevenson threw more punches to the body, something that he rarely does. He hit Gvozdyk in the abdomen and shook him, and finished the round strongly.
Stevenson controlled the centre of the ring for part of the match, but in the 10th round, Gvozdyk finished with a series of blows that seemed to motivate him for the 11th round.
Gvozdyk continued with his series of flurries that got Stevenson in the ropes in the middle of the 11th, before sending the Canadian to the canvas with three solid right punches.
It is only the second defeat in Stevenson’s career, after a run of 17 fights without tasting defeat, including a 2013 victory over the recently retired Tony Bellew.
Stevenson dropped to 29-2-1 with his first loss since 2010 and first in Canada. The 31-year-old Gvozdyk, from Ukraine, improved to 16-0.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments