Former professional boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age 33, more than a decade after a controversial fight left him with a severe brain injury.
His father, Richard Colón, announced news of his son’s death in a social media post on Aug. 13, before thanking supporters for their love and prayers over the years.
“He is now in a better place,” the post continued. “I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so deeply wanted, but it could not be done.”
Prichard Colón was 23 years old and undefeated when he entered the ring against Terrel Williams on Oct. 17, 2015, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
He had built a 16–0 professional record, with 13 victories by knockout, and was regarded at the time as one of boxing’s most promising young prospects.
The welterweight bout was deemed controversial as Williams repeatedly struck Colón the back of the head with illegal punches.
During the fight, Colón complained to referee Joseph Cooper, who ultimately penalized Williams for a rabbit punch, otherwise known in boxing as an illegal strike to the back of the head.
In the ninth round, Williams knocked Colón down twice and Colón appeared disoriented after the second knockdown. His corner mistakenly believed the fight had ended and began removing his gloves. Prichard was ultimately disqualified for not fighting in a 10th round.
After the fight, Colón became ill in the dressing room, where he vomited and collapsed before being taken to a hospital. He was diagnosed with subdural hematoma and underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. He subsequently spent 221 days in a coma.
When Colón emerged from the coma, he had suffered profound neurological damage. He was unable to walk or speak normally and remained in a persistent vegetative state.
He required extensive care from his family, and his parents continued to care for him while pursuing rehabilitation and therapies in the years up until his death.
“Prichard’s life was defined by courage, perseverance, and an extraordinary fighting spirit,” World Boxing Organization president Gustavo Olivieri said in a statement on X.
“His story transcended the ring and deeply touched the boxing community, which stood by him throughout the years with respect, admiration, and hope.”
A state-level review in Virginia conducted in 2016 indicated that while Colón’s condition was tragic, investigators did not find a clear act that could be singled out as solely responsible for the outcome.
The following year, his parents filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against the ringside physician and promoters involved in the event, though no public record has confirmed a final settlement or verdict in the case.
