ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A former metro Detroit heavyweight boxing star is in the fight for his life against the coronavirus, according to his family.
Derrick Jefferson, 52, was diagnosed after being admitted to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
"They first tested him for Coronavirus and it came back negative," Jefferson's son Jabari said. "But the second test came back positive. It really hit me."
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Jefferson was put into a medically induced coma and was placed on a ventilator. His 18-year-old son said he's improving despite his serious condition on Sunday.
"His blood pressure is stable," Jabari said. "His kidney are good. He had a kidney transplant in 2009."
Jefferson's family receives updates about his condition via telephone from nurses. They are prohibited from visiting the hospital.
Jefferson also runs a company called Detroit True Story. The group works with communities and youth to develop physical, emotional, and social skills in and out of the ring.
For more information about Jefferson's organization: https://derrickjeffersonfoundation.org/
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