FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
CONTACT:
Russ Heimerich, Office of Public Affairs (916) 574-8171
Statement by California Athletic Commission Executive Officer Armando Garcia
Following is a statement by Armando Garcia, Executive Officer of the California Athletic Commission, regarding Victor Burgos:
"On Saturday March 3, 2007, boxer Victor Burgos was participating in a match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. The referee stopped the fight at 1:27 into the 12th and final round.
"Immediately after the fight was stopped, Mr. Burgos showed signs of needing medical attention. He was attended by ringside physician Dr. Paul Wallace and by paramedics, and was taken by ambulance to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where he remains. Because the Commission has contingency plans in place for this kind of situation, Mr. Burgos arrived at the hospital less than 30 minutes after the fight was stopped.
"On Saturday March 3, 2007, boxer Victor Burgos was participating in a match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. The referee stopped the fight at 1:27 into the 12th and final round.
"Immediately after the fight was stopped, Mr. Burgos showed signs of needing medical attention. He was attended by ringside physician Dr. Paul Wallace and by paramedics, and was taken by ambulance to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where he remains. Because the Commission has contingency plans in place for this kind of situation, Mr. Burgos arrived at the hospital less than 30 minutes after the fight was stopped.
"Mr. Burgos had surgery on his brain following the fight, however, his family has asked that specific information about Mr. Burgos' medical condition be kept private for the time being, and the Athletic Commission is honoring that request.
"Mr. Burgos had passed all of his required pre-fight medical examinations, most of which were conducted less than a week before Saturday's bout, and was cleared by the Commission to fight. In addition, as is the case with all fighters, Mr. Burgos was examined by a physician immediately before the fight, and passed that examination as well.
"At this time, we have no indication that there was any failure on the part of the Commission, the referee, the ringside officials, the promoter or any of the seconds in Mr. Burgos' corner prior to the stopping of the fight. However, as is the case for any incident such as this, the Athletic Commission will undertake a thorough investigation and will examine the events leading up to Mr. Burgos' transport to the hospital.
"I will have no further statement about this matter until that investigation has been completed.
"My prayers, and the prayers of the officials and the Commission staff, are with Mr. Burgos and his family. We all hope and pray for his recovery and return to health."
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