Stevenson still in critical condition

QUEBEC The medical team treating boxer Adonis Stevenson in a Quebec City hospital said Wednesday it is too early to say anything definitive about his prognosis as he continues to receive treatment for a severe traumatic brain injury.

Intensive care specialist Dr. Alexis Turgeon told reporters the 41-year-old fighter remains in stable but critical condition after a knockout loss Saturday night in his WBC light heavyweight title defence against Oleksandr Gvozdyk of Ukraine.

Turgeon said he could not offer an informed opinion on the Montreal boxer’s chances of a full recovery.

“If I had clear answers, I would give them,” Turgeon told reporters at a news conference requested by the family. “The family would like them too. They’re asking the same questions as you.”

Stevenson’s condition deteriorated after he was helped into the dressing room following Saturday’s fight, and he was transported by ambulance to Hopital de l’Enfant-Jesus from the Videotron Centre.

He was admitted with “a traumatic brain injury” that required rapid neurosurgery, the physician said.

He added that Stevenson is under mechanical ventilation, is sedated and requires specialized neurological monitoring.

Turgeon said the next step for Stevenson is to get past the critical phase, which doctors hope can happen by the end of the week.

Turgeon said Stevenson’s family members, who are by his bedside, wanted to express thanks for all the messages of support they have received.

The Haitian-born Stevenson is father to five children, including a newborn daughter.