The fight was Stevenson’s 10th title defense, since winning the WBC light-heavyweight crown in 2003 against Chad Dawson. The Montreal-based pugilist was ahead on points when the Nail executed a lethal KO that landed him flat on the canvas. With his latest victory, the 31-year-old Ukrainian has improved his fight record to an impressive 16-0.
The longest and oldest reigning champion in boxing was performing better than his rival and landed some impactful blows on his Ukrainian opponent in the 10th round. This made the Nail retaliate as he extended heavy punches in the 10th round and then in late 11th that shook the Canadian boxer. Despite the sudden bombardment, he was still able to hold his ground when his Ukrainian opponent came forward with sharp volley of punches from the corner that made him fall flat, with referee Michael Griffin calling out for stoppage. The non-stop damage by Gvozdyk put a full stop to the Superman’s five and a half years of light-heavyweight reign but at the expense of his wellbeing. The fighter couldn’t return to the ring to hear the decision read. Rather the former champion was rushed to the hospital in a stretcher, where he was shifted to intensive care unit.
Adonis Stevenson’s promoter Yvon Michel was quick to tweet the news of about Adonis’s condition.
AVIS, nouvelles sur la condition d’Adonis
La famille de .@AdonisSuperman et les dirigeants de Groupe Yvon Michel sont présentement auprès d’Adonis Stevenson. Ils souhaitent informer les amis et les supporters qu’Adonis est présentement dans une condition critique (1sur2)— Yvon Michel (@yvonmichelGYM) December 2, 2018
“NOTICE, news about the condition of Adonis The family of. @ AdonisSuperman and Groupe Yvon Michel’s leaders are now with Adonis Stevenson. They wish to inform friends and supporters that Adonis is currently in critical condition (1 out of 2).”
41-year-old boxer’s promoter Michel stated that he had spoken to the Superman right after the fight and he appeared fine. However, soon after taking a shower, the Canadian boxer found it difficult to stand and was shifted to l’Enfant-Jesus de Quebec hospital on a stretcher to get treated for his head trauma.
Undefeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk, while talking to the press conference on Saturday night stated,
“I talked to the people at the hospital. He was very confused when he arrived, we suspect a concussion. It’s very disturbing.”
Michel, thanked all the fans for their well wishes on the testing time on behalf of the injured boxer’s family with the following Tweet, confirming that the situation of the boxer had improved from critical to better.
Update on Adonis @AdonisSuperman: 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. (1/2)
— Yvon Michel (@yvonmichelGYM) December 2, 2018
“Update on Adonis @AdonisSuperman: 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.”
The World Boxing Council also expressed their well wishes for the Haitian-born boxer with following Tweet.
The WBC and boxing community from the world join in prayers for the safe recovery of our dear friend, great fighter and exemplary human being @AdonisSuperman . May God provide the strength to overcome this unfortunate set back.
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) December 2, 2018
“The WBC and boxing community from the world join in prayers for the safe recovery of our dear friend, great fighter and exemplary human being @AdonisSuperman.”
RDX Sports wishes Adonis Stevenson a quick recovery and wishes to see him in the boxing ring for his future endeavors.
