Dr says boxer likely to survive brain injury

SAN ANTONIO

Friday, 18 July 2008 22:29:28

By ELIZABETH WHITE - Associated Press Writer

A doctor who performed brain surgery on a boxer who collapsed during a fight this week says he expects the young man to survive.

Welterweight boxer Oscar Diaz remains in critical but stable condition, according to Dr. David Jimenez. The 25-year-old is still in a coma, but Jimenez says that is to be expected due to the severe brain injury.

Diaz collapsed before the 11th round of the televised USBA welterweight championship fight against Delvin Rodriguez on Wednesday night. Diaz was rushed to the hospital, where Jimenez performed surgery to remove a piece of his skull to relieve brain swelling.