Stevenson in induced coma after violent knockout

QUEBEC Canadian boxer Adonis Stevenson has reportedly been upgraded from critical to stable condition, although he remains in an induced coma after being knocked out Saturday night in his light heavyweight title fight in Quebec City.

The report comes from boxing promoter Yvon Michel, who tweeted updates Sunday.

“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 tweeted.

“New information will be published as we get it.”

Earlier on Sunday, Michel tweeted that Stevenson was in intensive care and family members asked that his privacy be respected.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk stopped Stevenson with a violent knockout at 2:49 of the 11th round to take his World Boxing Council title.

The 41-year-old Stevenson was put on a stretcher and left Videotron Centre in an ambulance.

The Montreal-based fighter was making his 10th title defence since winning the belt against Chad Dawson in 2013 and was ahead on two of the judges’ cards and tied on the third when he was stopped.

The 31-year-old Gvozdyk, from Ukraine, improved to 16-0.

Gvozdyk landed several strong blows at the beginning of the round which left Stevenson faltering in the corners.

Stevenson appeared to recover, but a second volley of blows followed.

Referee Michael Griffin stopped the fight after a third push, in which Gvozdyk landed a dozen or so blows without Stevenson stopping a single one.

Stevenson stayed down for several minutes before being able to sit up on a stool brought to the ring, and needed assistance to return to the dressing room.