Former Boxer Prichard Colón Dies at 33
Former Puerto Rican boxing prospect Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, more than a decade after suffering a devastating brain injury that ended his promising career.
His father and former trainer, Richard Colón, confirmed his death on social media on Thursday. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Colón was regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s rising boxing talents and entered his final professional bout with an undefeated 16-0 record.
His life changed dramatically during an October 2015 fight against Terrel Williams in Virginia. During the bout, Colón received repeated blows to the back of the head, an area where punches are prohibited under boxing rules.
Following the fight, Colón became ill in the dressing room and was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered bleeding on his brain. He underwent emergency surgery and subsequently remained in a coma for 221 days.
Although Colón eventually emerged from the coma, the neurological damage was severe. His professional boxing career was over, and he required extensive rehabilitation and long-term assistance from his family.
Over the following decade, his parents and relatives remained closely involved in his care, while supporters throughout Puerto Rico and the international boxing community continued to follow his condition.
Colón’s story also became one of boxing’s most widely cited tragedies, generating renewed discussion about illegal punches, ringside medical care and the responsibility of officials to protect fighters when they are injured.
He finished his professional career with 16 victories from 17 fights, including 13 knockouts.
Following news of his death, tributes began pouring in from across the boxing community for a fighter whose greatest battle ultimately took place outside the ring.
Prichard Colón was 33.
