LAS VEGAS – In light with Z “The Dream” Gorres's ordeal after suffering a knockout, veteran referee Carlos Padilla warned against the dangers that boxers face while in action.

“Ang mga knockout dito sa panga (points to his jaw) at dito sa sentido,” Padilla told ABS-CBN News.

Padilla, who officiated the "Thrilla in Manila" superfight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the 70's, noted that a punch to the head can cause serious damage, if not death.

It was a left straight punch from Colombian Luis Melendez to Gorres’ temple in Round 10 that caused the blood clot in Gorres’ brain.

Although Gorres won the 10-round bout by unanimous decision, he collapsed and the ring and was brought to the University Medical Center (UMC) in Southern Nevada.

Doctors at the UMC said that Gorres remains in critical but stable condition after suffering from subdural hematoma, an accumulation of blood on the surface of the brain. The fighter will have to remain at the intensive care unit.

Progress

Gorres’ manager, Michael Aldeguer, said that doctors on duty reported progress inm the boxer's condition. Gorres was reportedly already capable of making simple commands. He was also able to slightly move his head.

“Yung progress niya is encouraging naman. He did a lot of positive things right now, he was able to lift two fingers right now. When he was asked to look for that tube in his mouth he was able to do that,” said Aldeguer, president of ALA Boxing Promotions.

ALA trainer coach Edito Villamor, meantime, remained positive about Gorress’ progress.

“Nakita naming dumilat yung mata niya, nag-thumbs up siya sa amin pero natulog ulit siya,” noted Villamor.

Aldeguer added that after Gorres’ recovery is complete, the 27-year-old Mandaue native will be in total ring rest.

“Definitely it's over, and I’m sure my father [Tony Aldeguer] and myself and the whole ALA team don't want him to fight again,” he stated.

Hospital bills and medical expenses of Gorres will be paid for by the medical insurance covering Top Rank Promotions.

Second chance

Meanwhile, Gorres’ wife Duchess is preparing all the necessary paperwork need for her US trip.

“Andiyan naman ang mama ko at mga kapatid kaya panatag ako na iwan muna ang mga anak ko,” she said in Cebuano.

Gorres' mother, Zeta, added: “Sa ngayon nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng nagdasal para sa anak ko. Malaki ang aming pasasalamat na nabigyan siya ng pangalawang buhay.”

The boxer’s children, meantime, sent him a letter inviting him to come home to Cebu in time for their celebration on Christmas.