Z Gorres undergoes 2nd major surgery

Two months after his victory that resulted to a brain injury, ZC Oliveros “Z” Gorres’ survival is considered a miracle.

Gorres, who went through an emergency brain surgery in November, is recovering well from his head injury. He can now talk softly and eat regular food.

The Filipino fighter won over Luis Melendez of Colombia in their 10-round bout in November via unanimous decision.

Before his victory, a left straight punch from Melendez landed on Gorres’ temple in the 10th round which caused the blood clot in his brain.

“Mga anak hintayin niyo ang pagbabalik ko, yung promise ko sa inyo, pag-uwi ko diyan. Sa mga taong sumusuporta at nagdadasal, salamat sa inyo,” he addressed his young children.

Gorres went through his 2nd major surgery because doctors needed to put back the part of the skull that was taken out in the 1st surgery.

“Katatapos pa lang ng operation niya. The operation lasted for 2 hours and according sa doctor nakausap natin sa loob hindi naman nagkaroon ng komplikasyon dun sa operasyon. Maganda naman ang pagkakaopera. Wala naman major bleeding na nangyari sa loob,” said University Medical Center (UMC) physician Dr. Benito Calderon.

Attending physicians are hopeful that Gorres will recuperate fast and that no infection would occur.

Surging hospital bills

Meanwhile, his hospital bills at the UMC are increasing. The surgery even drove up his already costly hospital bills.

Because of this, doctors who performed Gorres’ 2nd surgery volunteered their service for free.

Gorres’ insurance covered for only $50,000, which was used up on his 1st day at the hospital.

His family physician, Dr. Calderon, said the UMC management tried to release the boxer last week as the hospital management believed that Gorres is stable and fit enough to travel back to the Philippines.

His family, meantime, continues to seek financial help especially with his impending return to the Philippines in the next few weeks.

‘Z Gorres bill’

Gorres’ plight touched the hearts and raised awareness in the boxing community.

Frank Slaughter, a boxing coach at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), is calling for a state bill that would protect all fighters—the “Z Gorres bill” would give additional protection for underinsured fighters in case of injury.

“Our country has been very good to the Philippines. We’ve always sent aid to the Philippines. As a matter of fact, UMC has sent humanitarian aid in the past to the Philippines. We want them to step up,” said Slaughter.

Gorres’ trainer, Tony Martin, sent a call for help to the Philippines’ most famous boxer, pound-for-pound king and 7-division champion Manny Pacquiao.

“Manny, if you’re watching, take time out from what you are doing in the Philippines right now. Just take one hour of your time to visit UMC [where] a fellow countryman and a fellow boxer [is] and say ‘how are you?’ That’s all we require,” Martin pleaded.