BURGOS SURVIVES BRAIN SURGERY

CARSON, Calif.—Mexican boxer Victor Burgos was whisked from the ring to Los Angeles County Harbor-U.C.L.A. Medical Center in Torrance, Calif.on Saturday where he underwent immediate surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain and to reduce swelling after participating in an International Boxing Federation flyweight championship against Vic Darchinyan at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Burgos survived the operation but is still in a medically induced coma, a common technique used after head trauma to help reduce harmful brain swelling. His doctors have also reported Sunday that Burgos has already shown certain signs of movement in the intensive care unit that can only be described as positive.

Burgos became the IBF junior flyweight champion by defeating Alex Sanchez at
Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 2003. He moved up to the 112-pound flyweight
limit in 2005 and was challenging Darchinyan for his title on Saturday in a match televised by SHOWTIME Championship Boxing as part of a world championship doubleheader.

Darchinyan knocked Burgos down in the second round, but Burgos returned to his feet and fought on valiantly until the contest was stopped by the referee in favor of Darchinyan at 1:27 into the twelfth and final round.

Ringside physicians had Burgos removed from the ring by stretcher before being transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Physicians also said that Burgos’s rapid arrival was critical, giving them the best opportunity to help the boxer from the head injury he sustained.

Burgos has been joined at the hospital by his wife, Claudia, his manager, Roberto Sandoval, and several family members and friends.

The 32-year-old prizefighter, known as “El Acorazado” in the ring, was born in Puebla, Mexico and now lives in Tijuana, Mexico. He has compiled a professional record of 39-15-3 and is promoted by Don King Productions.

“I urge everyone to join me in prayer for Victor Burgos and his family,” King said.

“I know he’s fighting right now to come through this because a brave fighter is what he has always been. Now we need God’s help to
see him back to health.”