MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino fighter who suffered the same fate as Z Gorres 15 years ago is asking for assistance from government officials as well as from 7-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

“Katulad ng nangyari kay Z Gorres, sana mapansin po ng gobyerno na ipinaglaban namin ang bansa, ang bandera ng Pilipinas itinataas iwinawagayway pag nananalo,” Pretty Boy Lucas said on Thursday during the Punto Por Punto segment of “Umagang Kay Ganda.”

The 45-year-old Lucas, who is from Norzagaray, Bulacan, was forced into retirement in 1995 after suffering a career-ending injury in Japan. His record is 34-7-2 (with 10 knockouts).

Lucas was sent to the canvass by Korean pugilist Chang-Jae Kwon in the 9th round of their fight on February 20, 1995. The Korean won the 10-round bout in Tokyo by technical knockout.

Lucas, whose real name is Domingo, claimed that a doctor did not check on him right away. “Pinabayaan blood clot sa utak ko, 'di pinatingin sa doctor,” he said.

The Pinoy boxer fell into a coma and spent 2 months in a Japanese hospital after undergoing an operation to remove the blood clot in his brain. When he returned to the Philippines, he underwent another operation.

“‘Yung nangyari sa akin, minahal ko ang boxing pero ‘di ko alam na ganito ang mangyayari sa akin,” he said of his fate, adding that he was more than ready for the fight but the accident happened.

“Wala pong tulong natanggap noon… Kung namatay daw ako, malaki makukuha, P20,000. Wala pong monthly... pati sa aming bayan wala pong suporta ang gobyerno,” he said.

Lucas said he spent 13 years in boxing and competed for a world title 4 times before the injury ended his career.

“‘Di po suwinerte maging world champion,” remarked the former boxer who is now a barangay tanod (village watcher).

Gov't aid

Lucas said politicians usually fawn on champion boxers such as Manny Pacquiao without giving a thought to injured fighters like himself.

"Sana po matulungan kami… at sana katulad ni Manny Pacquiao na mabigyan kami ng kahit balato po,” he added with a smile.

Sports analyst Dennis Principe, who was also a guest in the segment, commented on the members of Pacquiao’s entourage. “‘Yung mga nakapaligid kay Manny... mas marami pa kaysa sa katulad ni Pretty Boy,” he pointed out.

Lucas and Principe shared their insights on the reported looming retirement of Pacquiao in the ABS-CBN morning show.

“Puwede na rin magretiro kasi naabot na niya lahat ng pangarap niya sa buhay pero magaling pa rin siya. Puwede pa ring ipagpatuloy pa rin niya… kasi kalakasan pa niya,” said Lucas.

“Napakahirap para sa isang boksingero na kalimutan, talikuran ang boxing," added Principe. "Once a boxer, always a boxer... Ang puso ng pagiging boxer, ‘di nawawala.”

Ban on boxing

Gorres, meantime, is already starting to rebuild his life after undergoing 2 major surgeries after suffering a brain injury last November.

He has received support from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pacquiao, Sen. Lito Lapid, Nonito Donaire, Jr., and other concerned individuals.

Meanwhile, Lucas and Principe commented on calls to ban the dangerous combat sport of boxing.

“Napakahirap din na wala kang laban sa buhay, nasa sulok ka lang wala kang pagkakataon na umangat,” said Principe.

Lucas also stressed that boxers, especially those who competed in the world stage, have given glory to the Philippines.