Former professional boxer Prichard Colon has died at 33, his family announced, more than 10 years after the devastating in-ring injuries that changed the course of his life.
Colon was fighting as a super-middleweight in October 2015 when he sustained a serious brain bleed during a bout against American boxer Terrel Williams in Virginia, after absorbing repeated punches to the back of the head.
Following the defeat, the Puerto Rican fighter became ill in the dressing room, vomiting before collapsing. He was taken to hospital and remained in a coma for 221 days. The contest against Williams was later remembered for the repeated rabbit punches — illegal blows in boxing — that contributed to a collapse in part of Colon’s skull.
When Colon eventually woke from the coma, the once highly regarded boxing prospect was left with catastrophic, life-altering injuries and remained in a vegetative state, relying heavily on the round-the-clock support of his family.
Before turning professional, Colon had built an impressive reputation in the amateur ranks, winning multiple national championships and capturing gold at the Youth Pan American level.
His father and former trainer, Richard Colon, shared the painful update on social media, writing: “Good morning, everyone. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place.”
He continued: “Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Former boxer Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33, according to an announcement from his family
The Puerto Rican suffered catastrophic brain injuries during a 2015 fight (pictured)
Until that fateful fight almost 11 years ago, Colon had been one of the sport’s most promising prospects.
He had established an unblemished 16-0 record with 13 knockouts with many in boxing viewing him as a future star.
Following the bout against Williams, Colon was rushed to the hospital where doctors discovered a subdural hematoma.
He underwent emergency surgery as medics desperately attempted to relieve the swelling in his brain. After spending 221 days in a coma, Colon awoke unable to walk or talk.
Despite the traumatic injuries, just three years ago, Colon had vowed not to throw in the towel.
In an update on his Facebook profile at the time, Colon attempted to speak with his mother and even raised a smile in a moving video.
The post was captioned: ‘I will not give up’.
In other clips, the ex-fighter could be seen attending a truck rally with his family, while also appearing to take a positive step in being able to brush his own teeth.
He was left in a vegetative state and was under the near-constant care of his family
Until that fateful fight, Colon had been one of the sport’s most promising prospects
His mother also shared a video of her son on his 31st birthday where she gave him a cupcake with a candle on it.
Colon’s story is one of the most tragic in boxing history, with former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder breaking down in tears while discussing it last year.
‘We’ve seen what happens, look at Colon. How he got hit, Prichard Colon, correct,’ Wilder said.
‘This man didn’t have no kids… they don’t understand. Y’all don’t f****** understand what we go through, man.
‘And I don’t even know him like that, but I will always be an advocate for us. Because this man will never know what it’s like to be somebody’s father. And that’s one of the most precious things in the world, to be somebody’s father. But he will never be nobody’s father, man.
‘Because he got in the ring to support his family but now, his family got to take care of him for the rest of his life.’
