Gorres has dramatically improved, says surgeon

CEBU, Philippines - The condition of Z Gorres has dramatically improved five days after he went through the knife at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas to remove a blood clot on the left side of his brain.

In an official statement sent via e-mail, ALA Promotions president Michael P. Aldeguer said that Dr. Michael Casey, the attending trauma surgeon of Gorres, told him during a conference that the progress of the stricken Cebuano fighter is remarkable.

“Z has dramatically improved, I am happy with his development,” Aldeguer quoted Dr. Casey as saying.

Aldeguer added the outlook is positive that Gorres will live a functional life although he needed a few months to rehabilitate from the life-threatening injury.

 “Z has a good chance to live a functional life not necessarily yet a normal life for now because he may need to rehabilitate his left side which may need time. He is not critical anymore but still in a serious situation. However, in the next 48 hours, they may get him off the ventilator,” said Aldeguer.

“He has also reacted to certain commands though not yet consistent. According to Dr. Casey, the progress of Z is remarkable and is normally seen in two weeks but because Z is young and in great health he responded well in only 5 days,” added Aldeguer.

Gorres collapsed after he was declared the winner by unanimous decision against Luis Melendez of Colombia during their 10-round bout a week ago at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues in Las Vegas. He was then rushed to the UMC trauma unit where he underwent an emergency brain surgery.

Two days after the operation, Gorres showed good signs of recovery as he can move his legs on command and even managed to make a thumbs up sign on both hands. At one point, he tried to pull out the tubes in his nose and mouth.

“We are pleased to hear the news and would like to thank everyone for all the prayers that we know have helped Z recover from the biggest fight of his life. Thank you. Please continue to pray for Z,” appealed Aldeguer.

For Alex Vidal of philboxing.com, Gorres’ recovery was a miracle. “Had the tragic incident happened in the Philippines or in countries that don’t have adequate medical facilities, God knows what would have happened to the 27-year-old number two bantamweight contender in the world,” he said. (FREEMAN NEWS)