Prichard Colon, the promising boxer who endured a severe brain injury during a 2015 bout, has passed away at the age of 33. His father, Richard Colon, confirmed the news on social media, noting that his son has left this earthly world. Colon had been living in a vegetative state, requiring constant care, ever since the life-altering event in Fairfax, Virginia.
During his 2015 contest against Terrell Williams, Colon suffered a brain hemorrhage after sustaining multiple blows to the back of his head. Following emergency surgery to manage cranial swelling, he spent 221 days in a coma. Before the incident, the Florida-born Puerto Rican fighter was undefeated in 16 professional matches, including 13 victories by knockout. He had demonstrated immense potential early in his career, winning national titles and competing in the 2012 pre-Olympic trials before entering the professional ranks in 2013.
The match against Williams was marked by controversy, with Williams penalized for illegal punches to the back of Colon’s head. Colon was subsequently disqualified in the ninth round after his team mistakenly removed his gloves, thinking the fight had concluded. In the years that followed, his parents initiated a legal battle for damages against the ringside doctor and event promoters.
Following his injury, the boxing community rallied around him. In 2021, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman named him an honorary world champion. The World Boxing Association recognized him as a true warrior whose life provided significant lessons on resilience. He leaves behind a legacy of determination supported by the steadfast devotion of his family.
