Contreras Still Critical, but Condition Improves

Boxer Ruben Contreras, who has been in critical condition since suffering a head injury in a May 28 fight in Staples Center, is breathing on his own for the first time and beginning to wake from his comatose state.

But, in a news conference held Tuesday at California Hospital Medical Center, doctors emphasized that the road to recovery still could be long, and the outcome remains uncertain.

“He has a severe brain injury,” said Gudata Hinika, the hospital’s trauma medical director. “There are no two persons who would have a similar outcome after such an injury. It could range from days to months to even years for him to have a full recovery. Because of the size of the injury, the outcome can range from him actually getting up and walking in the next few months to being in a vegetative state.”

Trauma surgeon David Duarte likes what he has seen in the last few days.

“[Contreras] seems to be responding,” Duarte said. “He is making progress. We are very encouraged.”

Contreras, 32, collapsed after quitting in the sixth round of a scheduled eight-round match against Brian Viloria. Contreras suffered a seizure as he exited the ring and underwent 2 1/2 hours of surgery to remove a clot that had surrounded his brain.

Both doctors said that Contreras, assuming he continues to progress, will face extensive rehabilitation.

Also at the news conference were five members of the Contreras family.

“I have faith in God that he will come out of this well,” said Contreras’ wife, Nancy Maldonado, through an interpreter. “I told him this would be his toughest fight. I told him to win. He will always be my champion.”

Contreras, Maldonado and their three children -- Ruben Contreras Jr., 11, Isaac, 7, and Jasmine, 3 -- live in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Maldonado, who has seen only one of her husband’s 29 professional fights because of her distaste for the violence of the sport, was at home when she was informed of Contreras’ injury.

She flew to Los Angeles and has been at her husband’s side nearly around the clock, sleeping on a cot outside his room the first few nights.

Now that Contreras’ condition has improved slightly, Maldonado is sleeping in a nearby hotel in a room provided by Bob Arum, promoter of the Staples Center event.

Virginia Contreras, a sister of the fighter, says her brother is communicating with the family.

“I held his hand,” she said, “and told him to press my hand if he understood, and he did. I believe he recognizes the family.”

Contreras’ father, Ruben Sr., a carpenter in Ciudad Juarez, said he never boxed, nor did he train his son.

“The only thing I taught him was how to be a carpenter,” Contreras said. “Boxing wasn’t for me, but for him, the biggest dream was being a world champion. But he knew what he was getting into.”

Responding to numerous offers of financial aid, hospital staffers have established a fund. Donations may be sent to the Contreras Family Fund, c/o California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015.