Prichard Colón dies at 33 after: Here’s how a ‘rabbit punch’ changed his life forever

Prichard Colon celebrates his win over Daniel Calzada during the Premier Boxing Champions Junior Middleweight bout at Barclays Center on April 11, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Former professional boxer Prichard Colón has died at age 33, nearly 11 years after suffering a catastrophic brain injury during a 2015 fight that permanently changed his life. Colón died on August 13, 2026, according to multiple reports. His father, Richard Colón, confirmed his son's death on social media. A specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed as of August 14.  The Puerto Rican fighter was once one of boxing's most promising young prospects. Before the bout that ended his professional career, Colón had built an undefeated 16-0 record with 13 knockouts. Prichard Colon fights Terrel Williams exchange punches in their super welterweights bout at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University on October 17, 2015 in Fairfax, Virginia. (@ Getty Images) His death has prompted tributes from boxing organizations, fans and people who followed his family's years-long commitment to his care. What happened to Prichard Colón? Colón's life changed on October 17, 2015, when the 23-year-old faced Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. You may also like 17-year-old influencer Sofia Murillo dies in Brazil helicopter crash with mother and grandmother Ben Affleck's mother Chris dies at 83 after pancreatic cancer diagnosis Miss Universe Jamaica finalist LaToya Malcolm dies at 35 Continue reading During the fight, Colón complained about punches to the back of his head, commonly referred to as "rabbit punches." Referee Joseph Cooper eventually deducted a point from Williams in the seventh round for a rabbit punch. Colón appeared increasingly unwell as the fight continued. After the ninth round, his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, apparently believing the bout was finished. When they realized there was still another round, too much time had passed, and Colón was disqualified.  Prichard Colon (C) falls to the ring after taking a punch from Terrel Williams in their super welterweights bout (@ Getty Images) But what happened after he left the ring became far more serious than the result of the fight. Colón needed assistance walking back toward his dressing room. His mother, Nieves Meléndez, later recalled asking how he was feeling. Colón responded: "Mommy, I'm dizzy, I cannot see."  His condition deteriorated quickly. Prichard Colon (L) and Terrel Williams exchange punches in their super welterweights bout (@ Getty Images) Once inside the dressing room, Colón began vomiting and lost consciousness. He was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where doctors discovered a subdural hematoma and performed emergency surgery to relieve pressure and address the bleeding in his brain.  Prichard Colón spent 221 days in a coma The brain injury left Colón fighting for his life. He spent 221 days in a coma and survived, but his neurological injuries resulted in severe, long-term disabilities. For more than a decade, his family provided extensive care while he underwent rehabilitation and therapy.  His mother became one of the central figures in his care. Speaking to The Washington Post in 2017 about the uncertainty surrounding her son's recovery, Nieves said, "You don't know what will happen tomorrow."  Nieves Melendez tends to her son, former professional boxer Prichard Colon, while he lies in a vegetative state in his bedroom (@ The Washington Post via Getty Im) She also explained why she remained so closely involved in his daily care. "My life has changed and it's all about taking care of him," she said at the time.  Those years of care became a major part of Colón's story. Updates shared by his family allowed supporters to follow his progress long after his boxing career had ended. Prichard Colón's father confirms his death Richard Colón, Prichard's father and former trainer, announced his son's death on Facebook on August 13. Reports describing the family's announcement said Richard expressed gratitude to the people who had prayed for and supported Prichard throughout his long health battle. He wrote that his son had left this earthly world for a better place. Nieves Melendez, left, and Richard Colon tend to their son, former professional boxer Prichard Colon, while he lies in a vegetative state in his bedroom (@ The Washington Post via Getty Im) The family had spent more than a decade caring for Colón following his injury. The exact medical cause of Colón's death has not been publicly announced. WBC and WBO remember Prichard Colón Major boxing organizations paid tribute following news of Colón's death. The World Boxing Council called him "a true warrior" and said his strength and courage had reached far beyond boxing. The organization also offered condolences to his mother, Nieves, his family and everyone who supported him.  The WBC added: "Prichard's fighting spirit will never be forgotten."  Prichard Colon has a moment to himself before fighting Terrel Williams in their super welterweights bout on October 17, 2015 (@ Getty Images) The World Boxing Organization offered a similarly emotional tribute, describing Colón as "a warrior until the very end."  Colón had previously been recognized as an honorary champion by the WBC in 2021, years after his professional boxing career ended.  Prichard Colón's boxing career before the 2015 fight Before his injury, Colón was building a reputation as a serious boxing prospect. He had a decorated amateur career and won gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship before turning professional. By the time he entered the ring against Williams, he had won his first 16 professional fights, including 13 by knockout. The Williams bout became the final fight of his career. By the time he entered the ring against Williams, he had won his first 16 professional fights, including 13 by knockout. (@ Getty Images) Instead of continuing his rise through professional boxing, Colón spent the years that followed surrounded by his family and undergoing extensive care and rehabilitation. Prichard Colón's injury raised boxing safety questions Colón's case became closely associated with discussions about fighter safety, rabbit punches and the responsibility of officials to recognize signs of neurological distress during a bout. His parents later pursued legal action seeking more than $50 million in damages, alleging negligence connected with the medical care and promotion of the 2015 fight.  His story also highlighted how quickly a suspected head injury can become a medical emergency. Former professional boxer Prichard Colon is taken for a stroll by his father Richard Colon (@ The Washington Post via Getty Im) Colón entered the ring that night as an undefeated 23-year-old boxer. Hours later, he was undergoing emergency brain surgery. More than a decade later, his name remains inseparable from conversations about boxing safety and the potentially devastating consequences of head trauma.