Prichard Colón, the Puerto Rican boxer whose promising career ended with a devastating brain injury during a 2015 bout, has died. He was 33.
Colón’s father, Richard, announced his son’s death Thursday in a Facebook post, thanking supporters for years of prayers and asking them to continue praying for the family.
“We mourn the passing of Prichard Colón,” the World Boxing Association wrote on its official Instagram account. “A true warrior in every sense of the word, Prichard left us with profound lessons about life, resilience, and our sport. The entire boxing community mourns this heartbreaking and significant loss. Rest in peace, champion.”
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Colón was 23 and unbeaten when he fought Terrel Williams on Oct. 17, 2015, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. He entered the bout with a 16-0 record, including 13 knockouts, and was regarded as one of boxing’s promising young prospects.
The fight grew controversial when Williams repeatedly struck Colón in the back of the head with “rabbit punches,” which are illegal in combat sports. Colón complained to the referee, but the bout continued. Colón was later penalized two points for a low blow.
In the ninth round, Colón went down. His corner removed his gloves, apparently believing the fight had ended, but the bout was still in progress and Colón was disqualified.
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Colón needed assistance getting to the locker room, where he vomited and collapsed. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma, a traumatic brain injury, and performed emergency surgery to reduce swelling and evacuate the bleeding.
Colón remained in a coma for 221 days. After emerging, he was left in a vegetative state and required computer assistance to communicate. His family provided his full-time care until his death. A video posted to his TikTok account in July showed Colón working out with assistance from a trainer.
Before the injury, Colón had established himself as a successful amateur and professional. He won national amateur titles at 141 and 152 pounds and competed at the Brazil Pre-Olympic tournament while attempting to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. He turned professional in 2012 and won his first 16 bouts after making his debut in February 2013.
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