Former boxer Prichard Colon has died at age 33, more than 11 years after a severe brain injury sustained in a match. The Puerto Rican fighter was once regarded as one of the sport's brightest young talents.
According to his family, Colon passed away at his home in Florida, USA, surrounded by loved ones. His father, Richard Colon, announced the sad news on Facebook: "I regret to inform that my son, Prichard, has left this world. He is now in a better place."
Colon suffered a serious brain injury during a super welterweight bout against American Terence Williams in October 2015 in Fairfax, Virginia. In that fight, Colon was ruled defeated in the ninth round after his corner removed his gloves when he complained of dizziness. Colon alleged Williams repeatedly struck him on the back of the head, a banned blow known as a "rabbit punch." The referee deducted a point from Williams after a complaint about one such punch.
After the fight, Colon collapsed on his way back to the dressing room and was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. He underwent emergency brain surgery and then fell into a coma that lasted 221 days. When he regained consciousness, the full extent of his neurological damage became clear, and he required lifelong specialized care.
Before the fateful bout, Colon had an undefeated record of 16 wins, including 13 knockouts. Williams was also a rising star in boxing at the time, with a perfect 15-0 record and 12 knockouts.
Colon's death has reignited questions about safety in the combat sport. Williams, who returned to the ring in 2017 and 2019, once shared how the incident with Colon deeply affected his life and career: "My heart dropped. I pray for him every day for a full recovery. I couldn't enjoy the victory. I was worried about Prichard."
