Zak Miller has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a severe haematoma that ended his British featherweight title fight against Gully Powar a week ago. The bout took place at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, November 7.
An accidental clash of heads midway through the contest began the problems for Miller. Although the referee initially allowed the fight to continue, a second examination by a British Boxing Board of Control doctor in the 10th round led to the fight being stopped, as the swelling on Miller's head had grown considerably.
Powar was awarded a unanimous decision win after the ringside judges' scorecards were consulted. Miller was taken to hospital for further treatment and kept in overnight. His manager, Kevin Maree, confirmed the following day that he was close to a full recovery.
Miller's health update
Now, a week after the injury, Miller has broken his silence on social media. The 29-year-old wrote: "All Part Of The Journey."
"Unfortunate circumstances with the fight being stopped due to head clashes on Saturday night but it's just one of them things, it is what it is. One thing I would like to say is I am blessed and overwhelmed with all the king messages off each and every person."
He added: "I am ever so thankful, I can't believe it. It truly shocked me. Thank you so much. It might take me a bit of time but I am going to get back to everyone and am sorry I haven't done sooner."
Miller also reassured fans about his condition: "Thank you, I have had all the necessary scans and checks and I am perfectly fine for those of you who don't know."
Reaction from boxing figures
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren described the injury as one of the worst he had seen. Speaking to The Sun, he said: "It was horrific. I've never seen that before, to be honest. It started on one side of his head and then it moved to the other side."
Warren added: "It was awful for him, and to watch, and very worrying. The referee and the doctor were right in stopping the fight. He went to hospital for observation, he's home now. Honestly, I've never seen anything like that. I've seen horrible cuts, eye injuries, and so forth, but I've never seen anything like that."
"The fight got stopped and he's in a good place now and he can fight another day. He's with us, Queensberry, and we will make sure he gets whatever he needs in the future."
Former world champion Carl Frampton also commented: "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."
