The 32-year-old boxer remained in critical condition in a coma yesterday, although he is sometimes able to breathe on his own and has spontaneous movement.

"He's showing signs of waking up and we're very encouraged," said Dr. David Duarte, the trauma surgeon who is overseeing Contreras' care. "I wouldn't say he's out of danger, but his chances have very much improved."

However, Duarte cautioned that it could take weeks for Contreras to wake from the coma that doctors induced.

Even then, he might require months of rehabilitation.

The outcome could be worse, including a vegetative state.

"These two weeks have been very hard," his father, Ruben Sr., said through a translator.

His sister Virginia added, "They're the longest weeks of my life."

There's only a "slim chance" that Contreras could box again, "but we don't say impossible," said Dr. Gudata Hinika, who is part of the hospital team caring for Contreras.

None of the boxer's family was at Staples Center for the fight. Maldonado found out her husband was in grave danger in a phone call to her home in Juarez, Mexico.

She rushed to his bedside at California Hospital Medical Center, leaving behind the couple's three children, ages 11, 7 and 3.

Maldonado spent the first four days sleeping on a cot in the hospital's hallway before promoter Bob Arum paid for her, Contreras' father and sister to stay in a hotel.

Maldonado, 29, spoke publicly for the first time yesterday about her husband of nearly 13 years. The couple met when she was 14 and Contreras was living across the street.

"I've told him this is his toughest fight and to fight like he's going to win and he's always going to be my champion," a teary-eyed Maldonado said, speaking through a Spanish translator.

Maldonado last saw her husband fight seven years ago, peeking through her hands that covered her eyes. Fear has kept her away since.

"I was always nervous, always thinking someone could hurt him," she said.

There were no knockdowns in the fight between Contreras and Viloria, but Contreras was bleeding from the nose and mouth. They fought on the undercard of the Julio Cesar Chavez-Ivan Robinson bout.

Hinika said Contreras' seizure was most likely caused by being hit, rather than from a pre-existing condition.

The family's immediate concern is Contreras' recovery, although his medical bills are mounting daily. Maldonado doesn't work, but she hasn't sought financial help.

In response to calls from the public, the hospital has established a fund to help the family. The hospital, located on the edge of downtown Los Angeles, serves uninsured patients.

The family's spirits were buoyed when Mexican President Vicente Fox sent his best wishes to Contreras during his weekly radio address.

"We were very excited because the president took time to give us that message," Maldonado said.

The elder Contreras recalled how his son first learned martial arts and then discovered boxing at 14. They never discussed the possible danger.

"He knew what he was going into," Ruben Sr. said. "It was his biggest dream to one day be a world champion."

Now, Contreras communicates by pressing the hands of his wife and sister in response to their questions.

"I have faith in God he will come out of this," Maldonado said.