Featherweight boxer Zak Miller was left with a severely deformed head after developing two enormous swellings during his vacant British title clash against Gully Powar at Manchester's AO Arena on Saturday night. Ringside medical officials halted the bout in the tenth round after taking one look at Miller's distorted skull.
The problem first emerged at the end of the seventh round when an unintentional head collision created a bleeding wound and triggered an alarming bump above Miller's left eyebrow. By the ninth round, a second frightening haematoma had formed on the other side of his forehead, leaving the injured fighter pushing through intense pain.
Commentators React to Severe Swelling
Although Miller pleaded to continue the fight, ringside commentators Ade Oladipo and Carl Frampton were rendered speechless by the magnitude of the inflammation. Oladipo said on the broadcast: "I've seen some hematomas in the sport, but that is one of the worst I've ever seen."
Former world champion Frampton added: "That is the worst I've ever seen. That was shocking, you have to feel for the kid, he was in a lot of pain."
Fight Goes to Judges' Scorecards
Since the bout-ending damage resulted from an accidental collision rather than legitimate strikes, the contest went down to the judges' scorecards. Miller endured a crushing double blow, dropping a wafer-thin technical unanimous decision (96-95, 97-95, 96-94) as Powar claimed the British featherweight belt.
Shocked fans watching the Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson undercard took to social media in utter disbelief, with many expressing concern for Miller's welfare. One commented: "Please get that man to the hospital immediately. That is so bad." Another stated: "I've never seen someone's head like this, he doesn't even look like he did before the fight."
A third remarked: "Bloody hell, that man needs a brain scan immediately." Others challenged why the bout was permitted to continue into the tenth round, with one writing: "Crazy for the corner and doctor not to stop it earlier. Hopefully it isn't anything more serious."
