Zak Miller has broken his silence a week after suffering a fight-stopping haematoma during his British featherweight title contest with Gully Powar at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, November 7. The 29-year-old posted on social media to thank supporters and confirm his recovery.
Fight stopped after head clash
The bout was halted after an accidental clash of heads midway through the encounter showed signs of swelling on Miller's head. 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 contest being stopped due to the severity of the swelling.
Powar was awarded a unanimous decision victory after the ringside judges' scorecards were reviewed. Miller was taken to hospital for additional treatment and remained overnight, with his manager Kevin Maree confirming the next day that he was approaching a complete recovery.
Miller thanks fans
In a social media post seven days after the injury, Miller said: "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. Thank you, I have had all the necessary scans and checks and I am perfectly fine for those of you who don't know."
Promoter and former champion react
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren described the injury as one of the most severe he had ever witnessed. He told the Sun: "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. It was awful for him, and to watch, and very worrying. The referee and the doctor were right in stopping the fight."
Warren added: "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 said: "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." Miller has now returned home and is expected to recover fully from the injury.
