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When Magomed Abdusalamov and Mike Perez battled in the HBO opener last night, it drew very positive reviews from the fans, media and HBO broadcast crew. The two heavyweight prospects went all out, bombing each other with power punches over the ten round battle. Perez came out on the winning end of the fight to improve to 20-0 but "Mago" had nothing to be ashamed of, dropping to to 18-1.
Mago's toughness and ability to keep coming forward through the full fight may have cost him in a very serious way, however. As Boxing Scene is confirming reports that Abdusalamov is in a medically induced coma:
Earlier today, BoxingScene.com reported that during the fight Magomed broke his left hand, broke his nose and he was taken to a local hospital where a small blood clot was discovered on the brain.
Late last night, Magomed's manager, Boris Grinberg, told BoxingScene the fighter was doing fine after doctors tended to his injuires. But a few hours later the boxer began to complain of bad headaches and was feeling ill. Doctors at Roosevelt Hospital placed him in a medically induced coma to reduce the possibility of any serious complications stemming from the blood clot.
The superficial injuries (broken nose and facial swelling) were of major concern in Mago's corner during the fight as the fighter asked his corner repeatedly about them.
But the blood clot is obviously the much bigger concern now. There should be updates at some point Monday on his condition.
And in the coming days expect to see much debate over the corner's decision to not stop the fight sometime in the late mid-rounds.