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Source: gmanews.tv

-- The manager of Filipino boxer Z Gorres, who suffered a subdural hematoma (traumatic brain injury) after winning a bout in Las Vegas last Friday (Saturday in Manila), reported that the fighter known as “The Dream" is now in a more stable condition.

In an interview on Unang Hirit Monday, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said the 27-year-old Gorres is responding well to his treatment at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas.

“He’s improving. He’s critical pa rin but stable na. Right now we have to make an observation for the next 24 hours, yun ang crucial," Aldeguer said.

“But so far, on how he’s responding ngayon, it’s very positive already. Yung vital signs niya are very good at saka nandito lahat ng doctor, he’s been treated very well," he added.

Gorres won his 10-round showdown with Columbian Luis Melendez via unanimous decision but not without absorbing a big punch near the end of the fight held on the eve of Manny Pacquiao’s slugfest with Miguel Cotto.

The Filipino bantamweight prospect survived the knock down and finished the fight but collapsed in the ring just right after the announcement of the verdict. He was immediately rushed to the UMC, where he had to be operated on by Dr. Michael Seiss to open his skull and remove the blood clot and sent into medically-induced coma.

He survived the initial 24-hour timeline given by the UMC experts but remains unable to speak. Aldeguer, though, said Gorres is able to move his hands when not under sedation.

“Hindi pa siya nakakusap. He still can’t talk, he’s still unconscious right now but when he’s not sedated, he’s able to respond to the nurse. The head nurse nga, when he asked some question, asked some commands, he was able to lift his hands, he was able to give the thumbs up sign," he reported.

A Games and Amusement Board (GAB) official, meanwhile, credited Gorres’ improving condition to the quick action of medical officials of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), which sanctioned the fight, and doctors who attended to the Filipino fighter at UMC.

GAB boxing division chief Nasser Cruz, a doctor, said Gorres is in good medical hands.

“We are in the city famous for its high standard medical facilities," Cruz, who was in Las Vegas for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, said in an interview with PhilBoxing.Com.

According to Cruz, 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. 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 said.

The GAB official said Gorres might 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."

Cruz added that Gorres’ medical bills are covered by insurance, being a licensed professional boxer under the NSAC.

At the same time, Cruz confirmed that Gorres’ family in Cebu will receive some cash from the social fund of the Philippine government. He said the GAB board will have to meet to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, Aldeguer asked for continuous prayer for the boxer.

“We need all your prayers talaga. He’s fighting for his life right now but I can say yung reaction niya ay positive. Hopefully in the next few days, mag-improve pa lalo," he said