Spinal fluid leaks into Sky star's brain after Fight for Life

APNZ·

20 Dec, 2013 05:29 AM3 mins to read

Steve McIvor. Photo / Greg Bowker

Broadcaster Stephen McIvor says days of headaches and pain following his Fight for Life boxing match was caused by spinal fluid in his brain, rather than bleeding.

The 48-year-old, who drew with journalist Steve Kilgallon on Saturday night, was admitted to Auckland hospital last night after becoming concerned for his welfare.

The Sky TV sports anchor told APNZ he received "one good crack in the head" during the fight - which eventually ended in a draw.

After days of managing the pain with medicine it eventually became too much.

"Yesterday, it just got a bit worse. I was gardening and every time I lifted or jarred something it just went straight to my head."

An CT scan taken last night indicated McIvor - who has three children - had a small brain bleed, but results of an MRI taken earlier today showed it was actually spinal fluid.

"Obviously being punched had just released that around the front of my brain, and the CT scan had thought it was blood and the MRI this morning showed it wasn't."

McIvor, who was back home this evening after being discharged, welcomed the news.

"It means I don't have to be on any hard drugs, I can just be on Panadol and then I go back for a CT scan in six weeks. The neuro surgeons are extremely happy, as am I."

Earlier today, McIvor said getting fit had helped him stay positive while undergoing tests.

"You get scared when someone is going to have to potentially dig into your melon, but boxing training, believe it or not has kept me healthy and fit - and I think that's helped me."

Fight for Life organiser Dean Lonergan said McIvor seemed upbeat about his situation.

"I have no idea whether the fact that he had a sore head or a headache and the fact that he fought in Fight for Life ... whether there's any correlation whatsoever and I don't know if anyone can tell me either way if that's the case or not."