Former Puerto Rican boxing prospect Prichard Colon has died at 33, 11 years after suffering a severe brain injury during a controversial 2015 bout against Terrel Williams.
Colon was considered one of boxing’s promising young fighters when he entered his 2015 bout against Williams with an unbeaten 16-0 professional record, including 13 knockouts.
During the fight in Fairfax, Virginia, Colon repeatedly complained about blows to the back of his head.
The bout continued, and Colon was eventually knocked down twice in the ninth round. His corner removed his gloves while he was down, believing the fight had ended, but Colon was ultimately disqualified.
The situation became far more serious after Colon struggled to reach the locker room. He vomited and collapsed before being taken to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma and performed an emergency procedure to reduce swelling in his brain.
Colon subsequently spent 221 days in a coma. After waking, he remained in a persistent vegetative state and was unable to speak or function independently. His family cared for him for the remainder of his life.
Before the injury, Colon had built a 16-0 record and was viewed as a rising prospect. He also won gold in the 64-kilogram division at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.
Colon later received honorary WBC World Champion recognition, but his professional career ended with the injuries suffered in the Williams fight.
Richard Colon announced his son’s death on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the years of support and prayers from those who followed his family’s journey.
The World Boxing Organization described Colon as a warrior whose courage and resilience extended beyond the boxing ring. The WBC and WBA also honored him following his death.
A 2016 Virginia investigation concluded that, although Colon’s medical condition was tragic, investigators did not identify one action they considered sufficiently apparent or egregious to place responsibility on a single person.
Colon’s parents filed a $50 million lawsuit in 2017 against the ringside doctor and promoters involved in the fight. The provided reports state that no verdict or settlement has been publicly announced.
Colon’s death closes a tragic chapter that began with a promising boxing career and a fight that left him with life altering brain damage.
His case has remained closely associated with the dangers of head trauma in boxing and the long term impact such injuries can have on athletes and their families.
How old was Prichard Colon when he died?
Prichard Colon was 33.
What happened to Prichard Colon?
He suffered a severe brain injury during his 2015 fight with Terrel Williams and remained in a persistent vegetative state for more than a decade.
What was Prichard Colon’s boxing record?
Colon was 16-0 with 13 knockouts when he fought Williams in 2015.
SOURCES:
ESPN, Newsweek, The Sun and statements from the WBO, WBC and WBA.
