Adonis Stevenson: Canadian is 'awake and healing' after suffering severe brain injury

Former world champion Adonis Stevenson is "awake" and "healing" from the brain injury he sustained during a fight, says his girlfriend Simone.

The Canadian light-heavyweight needed surgery after he was knocked out by Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk this month.

Simone 'SiSi' God said the 41-year-old was recovering "in the private company of his family".

"Adonis is a world champion and is exhibiting that same determination in his recovery," she said.

"Despite recent reports being leaked to media, I wanted to clarify that Adonis is awake."

Stevenson, boxing's oldest and longest-reigning champion, was making his 10th WBC title defence when he was injured.

He suffered an 11th-round knockout during the light-heavyweight bout on 2 December, slumping after a flurry of punches from his opponent.

"Superman is a world champion and has demonstrated his strength in facing every obstacle he has ever faced," the statement continued.

"He is a legend in the eyes of his fans, and a man that demonstrates to his family daily that inner strength and love can change and redeem even the greatest of hardships."