Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after a tragic fight left him with a brain hemorrhage that resulted in a persistent vegetative state. His father and former coach, Richard Colón, announced the news in a Facebook post on Thursday, August 13.
In the post, Richard Colón wrote: “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.”
A Promising Career Cut Short
Colón, a former junior middleweight, held a 16-0 professional record with 13 knockouts and was considered one of boxing’s brightest prospects before his career was abruptly halted in October 2015. During a bout against American boxer Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, he suffered a brain bleed.
He was knocked down twice in the ninth round after repeated blows to the back of the head, known as rabbit punches, before his corner stopped the fight. Colón was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a subdural hematoma requiring emergency surgery. He spent 221 days in a coma and never regained the ability to walk or talk, relying on years of rehabilitation and family care.
Lasting Impact on Boxing
His injury led to a lasting change in the sport. The World Boxing Council introduced the “Prichard Colón Rule” in 2016, mandating zero tolerance for blows to the back of the head. In 2017, Colón’s parents filed a $50 million lawsuit against the ringside doctor and promoters connected to the fight.
Born in Maitland, Florida, on September 19, 1992, Colón also won gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship as an amateur. His death marks the end of a long struggle that began with that fateful fight in Virginia.
