Prichard Colon, the former boxer from Puerto Rico who for years became a symbol of the devastating consequences of the ring, has died at the age of 33. His death comes 11 years after a controversial fight caused severe brain injuries and initially left him in a coma, followed by a long-term critical condition.
The announcement was made by his father
News of his death was made public by his father, Richard Colon, through a post on social media.
In his message, he expressed grief over the loss of his son and thanked the people who, over the years, stood by the family with support and prayers.
From unbeaten talent to the fight that changed his life
Colon was considered one of the most promising names in professional boxing. Before the fight that would mark his fate, he had 16 wins without a single loss, with 13 of them ending by knockout.
In 2015, he faced American boxer Terrel Williams in a bout that would later remain one of the darkest episodes of his career and of the Puerto Rican athlete’s personal history.
Illegal blows and confusion in the ring
During the contest, Colon was hit several times in the back of the head, blows prohibited under boxing rules. He asked for the referee’s intervention, but the fight continued.
In the ninth round, the boxer went down to the canvas. The situation then descended into confusion, as his team believed the fight had ended and removed his gloves. Despite that, officials declared him disqualified.
Collapse after the fight and irreversible consequences
Colon’s condition worsened immediately after the bout. He was taken to the dressing room, where he began vomiting and then lost consciousness.
At the hospital, doctors found a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood on the brain that puts pressure on it. He underwent emergency surgery to reduce swelling in the brain and remove the hematoma.
After the operation, Colon remained in a coma for 221 days. He later woke up, but remained in a vegetative state and was unable to communicate normally, requiring the help of a computer.
A career cut short brutally
Before turning professional, he had also stood out in amateur boxing, where he won national titles in the 141-pound and 152-pound categories.
In 2012, he tried to secure a place at the London Olympic Games through the pre-Olympic tournament in Brazil, but was eliminated in the first round. That same year, he decided to turn professional.
He made his debut in February 2013 and in just over two years recorded 16 straight wins. The loss to Terrel Williams remained the only defeat of his professional career.
For more than a decade, care for Prichard Colon was provided by his family, who stayed by his side until the end.
His story remains one of the most serious cases raising major questions about safety in boxing and the way critical situations inside the ring are managed.