Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez has joined the rest of the boxing community in sending a message of support to Aidos Yerbossynuly, who has been in a medically induced coma ever since a knockout loss on November 5.
The Kazakh fighter was making his third appearance in the ring on US soil, facing off against undefeated David Morrell Jr for his WBA Regular Super Middleweight World title on a SHOWTIME card.
Despite also having zero losses on his record, Yerbossynuly was outclassed throughout a quite punishing twelve rounds.
Although one of his corner team have since said that they wanted to stop the right earlier, it made it to the last round where the challenger was knocked down, allowed to fight on and then knocked out. Referee Tony Weeks waved the fight off immediately upon the second time.
Although Aidos showed bravery in getting up from the canvas, his lack of balance saw Weeks and Morrell help him back to the corner before he was transported to a local medical facility and diagnosed with bleeding on the brain.
The message from the Mexican Champion, as reported by Marca, said simply: you are in my prayers brother. The pair sparred together in the lead up to Canelo’s trilogy with with Gennady Golovkin, and the Kazakh fighter had posted a video of working in out Canelo’s gym just two weeks ago.
The well wishes from Álvarez follow something similar from Morrell, the opponent on the night. The image of him helping Aidos back to his corner has summed up the solidarity and heartbreak well, and he has said on many occasions that he is praying for a swift recovery.
Whilst there have been demand from fans for explanations as to why the fight was allowed to continue following a sustained beating, never mind the first knockdown, perhaps a general consensus is concern with Aidos and his recovery before any fingers are pointed or statements demanded.
Outside of the ring, other messages sent include one from the President of Kazakhstan, Yerbossynuly’s home country. There has been no official update on the health of the fighter, however Marca report that his promoter has stated he will be monitored for two weeks and that there is no threat to his life.