Boxer stopped after ‘horrific’ head injury posts message as fans leave him ‘shocked’

Zak Miller has spoken out after sustaining a severe, fight-ending haematoma during his British featherweight title contest with Gully Powar a week ago. The pair battled it out under the spotlight of the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, November 7.

However, an accidental collision of heads halfway through the encounter showed indications of the start of Miller's evening coming to an end. While the referee initially permitted the bout to proceed, a second examination by a British Boxing Board of Control doctor in the 10th round resulted in the fight being stopped - considering how significantly the swelling on Miller's head had developed.

Powar secured a unanimous decision victory after the ringside judges' scorecards were reviewed, while Miller was transported to hospital for additional treatment. He remained overnight, with his manager Kevin Maree confirming the next day that he was approaching a complete recovery.

Now, seven days on from the distressing injury, Miller has spoken publicly. Posting on social media, the 29-year-old 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.

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"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."

Reflecting on the injury, Queensberry promoter Frank Warren gave his assessment in the wake of the event, describing it 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.

"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."