CEBU, Philippines - He was loved by fans for his being a gentle, humble and unassuming person. Following his miraculous recovery from a serious head injury he sustained in a fight that ended his boxing career in November last year, Cebuano fighter Z “The Dream” Gorres drew global attention and has gained, without doubt, more love and adoration.
And after several months of staying away from home, a proud Filipino nation, the Cebuano community in particular, welcomes back its beloved son, who has since become a symbolic figure of true courage, immeasurable fighting spirit and strong faith in God.
On that fateful Friday 13th of November, Gorres collapsed moments after being declared the winner by unanimous decision against Luis Melendez of Colombia in their 10-round bout in Las Vegas. He then underwent an emergency surgery at the University Medical Center to remove a blood clot on the left side of his brain.
A few days after the operation, Gorres showed positive signs of recovery, which doctors attributed to his being an athlete and good physical conditioning. After undergoing a second brain surgery, doctors have given Z a clean bill of health and was eventually discharged from the hospital.
Because of the surging medical bills that reportedly topped U$S500,000 (Php25 million), doctors at the UMC volunteered their service for free, while some well-meaning friends and well-wishers organized a fund-raising activity for Gorres.
Ring superstar Manny Pacquiao also took time out from his very hectic schedule in the US to help in raising additional funds for Gorres’ rehabilitation and future needs. Pacquiao, who made a public appeal of financial help for Gorres during a ringside appearance in last Sunday’s Pinoy Power 3 card, aims to generate $500,000 for Gorres.
Indeed, the predicament of Gorres has somehow touched hearts and raised a salient point in boxing community, prompting Frank Slaughter, a boxing coach at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), to bat for a state bill that would protect all fighters. Slaughter pushes for the “Z Gorres bill” that would give additional protection for underinsured fighters in case of injury.
Now that he is stable and fit enough to travel back to his native land, Gorres can’t wait to see his loved ones, especially his four kids and give each one of them a warm embrace.
And just like the excitement of his family whom he haven’t seen for a long while, Gorres will surely be showered with the same warmth by friends and fans as he arrives
“For all he had gone through, Gorres richly deserves a grand welcome,” said ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Cañete.
Gorres took PAL Flight 107 at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday (yesterday RP time). He is expected to arrive at the Mactan International Airport at 10:30 am today and will be met by his entire family and that of his wife Datches, their four children and all boxers of the ALA Stable who have been yearning to see him.
He may no longer have the physical capacity to achieve his dream, but Gorres can consider himself greater than a world champion for winning the biggest fight of his life. (FREEMAN NEWS)