'Z' pursues new dream

CEBU, Philippines – A little over two years since he survived the biggest fight of his life, things are now getting back to normal for retired Cebuano boxer Z “The Dream” Gorres.

“Since I recovered from the ring tragedy that befell me, there has been a significant change in my life. I can now do simple things without relying on others. I can already eat and dress myself on my own,” said Gorres, in Cebuano, during an exclusive interview with The Freeman at the ALA Boxing Gym.

“I’m also the one who bathe my kids every morning before they go to school. The best part is that I can now play and have fun with them at home,” said the proud father of four namely Dheybert (10), Shayla Dhey (8), Zhey (5) and Khodhey (2).

To keep himself fit, Gorres continues with his physical therapy coupled with light calisthenics and stretching exercises three times a week at the ALA Gym.

“Before I easily get tired, but now I’m so motivated and feel very energetic. I could already speak straight and fluently,” said Gorres, who was uncharacteristically very chatty, even firing some funny punchlines at this writer.  

The 29-year-old Gorres said his road to recovery was tough at first, but was made easier because of the loving and meaning relationships he nurtured with those who care for him.

“I’m just fortunate enough that I have strong support from my family and Sir ALA (Tony Aldeguer), who stayed behind me at the lowest point of my life. Their moral encouragement inspires me to get better faster than I expected,” he said.

While not at the gym, Gorres and his wife Datches tend to their mini-grocery store, internet cafe and mineral water business he was able to put up from his earnings as a prize-fighter.

“It’s just a small business so we have an income to meet both ends of my family now that I’m no longer fighting,” he humbly said with a grin.

Gorres has become an inspiration for others after his miraculous recovery from a career-ending head injury that almost cost him his dear life during a fight with Colombian Luis Melendez on Nov. 13, 2009 at the Mandalay House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gorres won by a lopsided unanimous decision over 10 rounds, but before the official verdict was announced, he suddenly collapsed in the corner. He was carried from the ring on a stretcher and was later placed in a medically induced coma.   

Gorres then underwent an emergency surgery at the University Medical Center (UMC) to remove a blood clot in his brain. The delicate procedure that lasted for several hours went well and was a huge success.  The other good news was that Gorres recovered well from his head injury. For those who followed his harrowing ordeal, his amazing story of survival was a miracle.

“I owe it all to God. Maybe He still has a purpose for me,” said Gorres. “I am also forever grateful to those who helped me during my most trying moment.”

Now that he has given a second chance at life, Gorres promised he will make the most out of it and give  it a more beautiful meaning and purpose.

“Even though I could no longer fight again, I feel I could still be a person of worth by being a trainer,” said Gorres. “I still have the passion to accomplish what I failed as a boxer – to become a world champion. Hopefully, I would be able to produce one someday as a trainer because I really want to contribute something to the ALA Gym as well as to our country,” said Gorres.

Indeed, the dream lives on for the man they call “The Dream.”