By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino super bantamweight Ayon Naranjo is recovering well after being rushed to hospital following a battering at the hands of undefeated Venezuelan Jorge Linares in a six round bout last September 25 in Yokohama, Japan.
The Chief of the Games and Amusements Board medical division Dr. Nasser Cruz told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Naranjo was out of the hospital and was scheduled to have another CT Scan. Dr. Cruz said that “if he is totally okay, he will be sent home.”
Naranjo had been confined in the Intensive Care Unit because of fears that there was a slight swelling of the brain after the battering he took from Linares in a patent mis-match. Linares had a record of 17-0 with 10 knockouts while had a record of 3-4 with 1 KO. The Filipino also conceded almost three pounds in weight. According to Japanese matchmaker, boxing manager and journalist Joe Koizumi Naranjo “fortunately escaped a crisis without undergoing brain surgery.”
Dr. Cruz disclosed that the latest news he received from Japan was that Naranjo was “walking, talking and showing no signs of neurological problems.” However, indications are Naranjo will not be allowed to fight again. Dr. Cruz stressed “we will not allow him to do any boxing activities yet. I will get clearance from neurologists or neurosurgeons first.
The GAB Ratings Committee acting immediately on the recommendations of Dr. Cruz and removed Naranjo from its September ratings which were posted yesterday. Naranjo, despite losing his last three fights prior to the clash with Linares was ranked No.1 super bantamweight.
