Hamilton – New Zealand boxer Daniel McKinnon has undergone emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries after losing to compatriot Robert Berridge in a WBO Oriental light-heavyweight title fight on Saturday.
The 30-year-old McKinnon was listed in a serious but stable condition in Hamilton's Waikato Hospital after what observers called a brutal bout in which both he and Berridge were knocked down. Berridge won by a technical knockout in the 10th round.
McKinnon complained of head pain about 15 minutes after the fight and was rushed to hospital where doctors operated immediately.
His manager, Ken Reinsfield, said McKinnon's condition improved after surgery “but he is not out of the woods. He's doing better this morning than he was last night.” – Sapa-AP