GAB boxing chief credits U.S. docs for Gorres’ immediate recovery

By ALEX P. VIDAL / PNS
November 16, 2009

LAS VEGAS, Nevada  –  The fast transport of fallen Cebuano boxer Z Gorres from boxing ring to the hospital and his immediate operation to remove the blood clot in his brain were the main factors for his quick recovery, said Games and Amusement Board (GAB) boxing division chief Nasser Cruz.

Cruz, who is also a doctor, credited the “excellent” response made by medical officials of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the doctors who attended to Gorres when he was fighting for his life at the University Medical Center hospital, here.

Cruz said the 27-year-old number two bantamweight contender in the world survived the 24-hour time line given by Dr. Michael Seiss, a neurosurgeon, who performed the operation on his brain to remove the blood clot.

Gorres fell in his corner after winning a 10-round non-title fight against Luis Melendez of Columbia at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues on November 13. Doctors immediately performed the surgery and opened his skull after he suffered subdural hematoma.

“We are in the city famous for its high standard medical facilities,” said Cruz, who is here together with his bosses, chairman Eric Buhain and commissioners Angel Bautista and Ramon Guanzon, to watch the “Firepower” WBO title tussle between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Angel Cotto.

Cruz said a blood clot is not difficult if the patient has been attended to immediately.

“Blood clot happens in any sports event. It happens even in hockey and amateur boxing,” he explained. “It’s only a matter of how you protect yourself that’s why we have a third man in the ring cautioning the participants to protect themselves at all times,” Cruz added.

Cruz stressed that Gorres, nicknamed “Butchoy”, may undergo a series of rehabilitation and might stay for a while in the United States “but it won’t be too long. The longest may be one month.”

He said Gorres’ medical bills are covered by insurance being a licensed professional boxer under the NSAC.

Gorres’ family in Cebu, however, is expected to receive some cash from social fund of the Philippine government, Cruz confirmed. The GAB board will have to meet to discuss the matter, he said.

Cruz also ruled out the possibility for Gorres not to be able to go back to boxing again.

“Well, he can be a boxing trainer after he recovers,” he quipped.

Noted boxing historian Hermie Rivera, meanwhile, said he was monitoring Gorres’ progress regularly saying he expected the Cebuano fighter to recover soon.