Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, almost 11 years after suffering a severe brain injury during a professional fight that left him in a persistent vegetative state.
Colón passed away on Thursday, according to an announcement made by his father and former coach, Richard Colón, in a Facebook post.
“Good morning my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world, now he is in a better world.
“I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as much as he desired but couldn’t.
“Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers,” the father wrote.
A former junior middleweight, Colón had built an unbeaten professional record of 16 wins, including 13 knockouts, and was widely viewed as one of the sport’s most promising young fighters before his career came to an abrupt end in October 2015.
The devastating injury occurred during a bout against American boxer Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. Colón sustained repeated blows to the back of the head, known in boxing as rabbit punches, and was knocked down twice in the ninth round before his corner halted the contest.
He was immediately taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed a subdural hematoma and performed emergency surgery.
Colón spent 221 days in a coma and never regained the ability to walk or speak. He underwent years of rehabilitation and remained under the care of his family for the rest of his life.
The incident prompted a significant safety reform in boxing. In 2016, the World Boxing Council introduced the “Prichard Colón Rule,” establishing zero tolerance for punches to the back of the head.
In 2017, Colón’s parents filed a $50 million lawsuit against the ringside physician and promoters associated with the fight.
Born on September 19, 1992, in Maitland, Florida, Colón also enjoyed success as an amateur, winning gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.
His death has drawn renewed attention to the long-term consequences of head injuries in combat sports and the lasting impact of the reforms introduced in the wake of his injury.
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