Boxer Adonis Stevenson in ‘critical condition’ after KO loss to Oleksandr Gvozdyk

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury were not the only world class boxers to compete last night. Thousands of miles away from their showdown in Los Angeles, long-time WBC light heavyweight champ Adonis Stevenson attempted to defend his title for a 10th time against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Gvozdyk in Quebec City, Canada.

After ten fairly competitive rounds, Gvozdyk cranked up the offense in the 11th, and ended the reign of the long-time champion Adonis Stevenson with a snappy four-punch combo.

New champ here. Oleksandr Gvozdyk KOs @AdonisSuperman in the 11th. #StevensonGvozdyk https://t.co/kOIgJpWYZf

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 2, 2018

Unfortunately, it has come to light that Stevenson is not doing well in the wake of this loss.

Speaking on Twitter in the hours after the fight, promoter Yvon Michel announced that Adonis Stevenson is in “critical condition” in hospital. He did not provide much more information that, instead asking for privacy on behalf of the boxer’s family, but it does not sound good.

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

… aux soins intensifs, à l’hôpital, suite à son combat contre Oleksander Gvozdyk. Ils apprécient l’inquiétude et le support de tous. Il n’y aura aucun autre commentaire pour l’instant et ils demandent respectueusement votre compréhension dans leur désir de rester en privé. 2sur2

— Yvon Michel (@yvonmichelGYM) December 2, 2018

“The family of [Adonis Stevenson] and promoter Yvon Michel are currently with Adonis Stevenson. They want to inform friends and supporters that Adonis is currently in a critical condition in intensive care, in hospital, following his fight against Oleksander Gvozdyk,” Michel said on Twitter. “They appreciate the concern and support of all. There will be no further comments at this time and they respectfully request your understanding in their desire to stay in private.”

Prior to this fight, the 41-year-old Adonis Stevenson was riding a 17-fight unbeaten streak, with the lone blemish in that stretch being a recent draw with Badou Jack. He is currently 29-2-1 overall. The 31-year-old Gvozdyk is now 16-0.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/2/2018.