Perez prays for Abdusalamov

The boxing world continues to rally around Russian heavyweight Magomed Abdusalamov who has been in a medically-induced coma since Saturday’s defeat to Cork based Cuban fighter Mike ‘The Rebel’ Perez.

Although rumours surfaced that the Russian’s condition had become life threatening, his promoter yesterday told the Irish Examiner that the boxer was in a stable condition.

Both men shipped serious punishment over the course of a 10-round battle which was ultimately awarded unanimously to Perez. Indeed the Russian seemed to suffer a broken jaw as early as the first round but with Perez visibly struggling, Abdusalamov’s corner were reluctant to throw in the towel.