Z GORRES will return to the Philippines earlier than expected, after recovering from a life-threatening head injury in Las Vegas for almost three months.
Gorres is scheduled to leave Las Vegas, where in he is undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation on the left side of his body, this weekend.
“His response to his rehab is remarkable. He is improving very well,” ALA Promotions Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview yesterday.
This early in his rehabilitation, Gorres can now use a walker and can move his weak left leg.
However, before leaving for the Philippines, Gorres will be attending a fundraising concert put up by fellow Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao on Feb. 14 in either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
“We will still have to finalize that (fundraising concert). I will still have to talk with Manny and (Michael) Koncz,” said Aldeguer.
In earlier reports, Koncz said that Pacquiao wants to raise $500,000 or P23.5 million in their fundraiser for Gorres.
That is expected to be a big aid to Gorres since his hospital bills have reportedly reached $600,000 with only $50,000 covered by the insurance during his fight.
“Manny and Z have known each other for a long time. Manny has always been there for Z,” Aldeguer said.
Aldeguer was supposed to fly to the US and accompany his 27-year-old ward in his return to the Philippines but he opted to stay here and finish the final preparations for Gorres’ arrival.
However, Gorres won’t be alone.
Dr. Benito Calderon, Gorres’ doctor and therapist who is helping him pro bono in his rehabilitation, will be accompanying him to the Philippines to ensure his safety on the flight.
Gorres suffered a subdural hematoma on the right side of his brain after his 10-round unanimous decision win over hard-hitting Colombian Luis Melendez last Nov. 13 at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues in Las Vegas.
He had to undergo emergency brain surgery minutes after he was rushed to the University Medical Center hospital, one of the top trauma hospitals in the US, after the fight.
The injury ended his boxing career but his promoter is now looking at absorbing Gorres either as a trainer or as part of ALA Promotions.