Canadian boxer Adonis Stevenson has regained consciousness after spending three weeks in a medically-induced coma following his knockout loss to Oleksandr Gvozdyk on December 1. The 41-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent emergency neurosurgery after the WBC light heavyweight championship fight in Quebec City.
Stevenson's girlfriend, Simone God, announced the news in a statement on Twitter on Saturday. 'He is healing from his injury in the private company of his family and his dedicated medical team,' she said. 'Adonis is a world champion in the ring and is exhibiting that same grit, strength and determination in his recovery.'
Stevenson was hospitalised after his condition rapidly deteriorated as he was helped into the dressing room following the fight at the Videotron Center. He was placed into a coma requiring mechanical respiratory assistance and deep sedation, according to intensive care specialist Dr Alexis Turgeon. The doctor said it was too early to comment on Stevenson's long-term prognosis.
Stevenson was making his 10th title defence since winning the belt in 2013. He was ahead on two judges' scorecards and tied on the third when he was stopped in the 11th round. Gvozdyk, a former Olympic bronze medalist, remained undefeated after the fight and expressed his support for Stevenson, saying, 'Adonis you are a really strong man and keep strong. I wish you recover faster.'
