Prichard Colon Dies: Former professional boxer Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33, 11 years after suffering devastating brain injuries during a 2015 fight that left him in a coma for 221 days.
Colon, a Puerto Rican boxer once considered one of the sport’s rising stars, suffered the injuries during his October 2015 super-welterweight bout against American boxer Terrel Williams.
Prichard Colon Dies: What exactly happened to him 11 years ago?
The fight ended in the ninth round after Colon was disqualified. During the bout, Colon repeatedly complained that Williams had struck him on the back of the head, a prohibited boxing maneuver commonly known as a “rabbit punch.” The referee later penalized Williams by taking away a point following a complaint about one of the punches.
After returning to his dressing room, Colon collapsed. He was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and underwent emergency brain surgery. He subsequently remained in a coma for 221 days and suffered permanent, life-changing neurological injuries.
Colon’s father, Richard Colon, announced his son’s death on Thursday in a Facebook post, writing that he regretted informing people of his passing but believed his son was now “in a better world.”
Colon was at home with his family in Florida when he died.
Before the tragedy, Colon had built an impressive 16-fight professional record, winning 13 of those bouts by knockout. His career was undefeated before the fight with Williams.
Williams, who was also unbeaten at the time with a 15-0 record and 12 knockouts, continued boxing after the incident, fighting again in 2017 and 2019. However, he later acknowledged the profound emotional impact Colon’s injuries had on him.
“My heart dropped, my stomach dropped,” Williams said shortly after the fight. “I’m praying for him multiple times daily to make a full recovery. I cannot enjoy this victory. I’m worried about Prichard.”
Colon’s story remains a sobering reminder of the serious and potentially life-altering risks associated with professional boxing.
