Boxer Escalante fought with two broken bones in left hand

• Beat title challenger Victor Ruiz by unanimous decision

• Injury occurred in second round of fight

• Could return to ring after a few months of rehab

X-ray of Bruno Escalante’s left hand after fight. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BROOKS, California – Cebuano Bruno “The Aloha Kid” Escalante successfully defended his IBA super-flyweight title while suffering from a broken left hand.

X-rays showed that Escalante (13-1-1, 6 KOs) was fighting with two broken bones in his left hand against Victor Ruiz (12-3, 9 KOs) at Cache Creek Casino on April 5.

Escalante showed tremendous grit as he continued fighting when the injury occurred in the second round.  The injury will likely keep Escalante out of the ring for three months.

“The doctor said Bruno can make a quick recovery if he lets his hand heal properly,” said manager Herb Stone.

“He could return after a few months of rehab.  Bruno proved to me he has tremendous heart carrying on with a broken hand.   I’m hoping he can fight by the end of the summer. I have big plans for Bruno when he returns to the ring,” Stone added.

“This is just a minor setback,” said Escalante. “I’m going to do everything the doctor says to make the healing process faster.  I’ll continue working out, mostly on my jab since that is the only arm I can use at the moment.”

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