Pinoy boxer undergoes brain surgery after Japan bout

A Filipino boxer is recovering from brain surgery in Japan after he collapsed during a match on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

According to Cedric Castillo's report for 24 Oras on Tuesday,  Renerio Arizala lost consciousness fighting Japanese boxer Tsuyoshi Tameda.

Arizala lost by a technical knockout on the sixth round.

"Nung nakita ko siya na humawak sa lubid, nakatingin sa akin, tinakbo ko na siya. Doon pa lang, hinihila na niya 'yung paa niya eh." Arizala's coach, Jonathan Penalosa, recalled.

"Sabi ko, 'sabihin mo sa akin kung ano masakit', tinuro niya masakit ang ulo niya, pagkatapos nu'n, collapse na. (Saan po?) Doon mismo sa pagbaba pa lang ng ring."

Arizala needed surgery to prevent blood clots from forming.

His boxing mates, including boxing legend Gerry Peñalosa, were at the gym on Tuesday praying for his recovery.

According to a statement from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB): "Utmost care is being afforded to him (Arizala) and according to the Japanese matchmaker, Renerio is responsive to medical treatment."

The GAB also vowed to continue monitoring Arizala's status and issue updates periodically. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News