Former boxer Prichard Colon dies aged 33 after 221-day coma from 2015 ring injury

Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33, eleven years after sustaining life-changing brain injuries during a professional bout. His death occurred at his home in Florida, concluding a long period of medical care that began following a fight in Fairfax, Virginia, in October 2015.

Colon’s father, Richard Colon, announced the passing late on Thursday via Facebook, stating, “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world.” The announcement confirms the end of a medical saga that began when Colon collapsed in his dressing room following the match against Terrel Williams.

The 2015 super-welterweight bout ended in the ninth round on disqualification after Colon’s team removed his gloves due to complaints of dizziness. During the fight, Colon alleged that Williams had repeatedly struck him on the back of the head, an illegal maneuver known as rabbit punches. The referee awarded Colon one point as punishment for one such incident before the match was halted.

Following the bout, Colon was diagnosed with a subdural haematoma and underwent emergency brain surgery. He remained in a coma for 221 days. After awakening, the extent of his neurological damage was fully understood, and he required round-the-clock care for the remainder of his life.

Prior to the incident, Colon held an unbeaten professional record of 16 fights, with 13 wins by knockout. The bout has long been associated with safety concerns in the sport. Williams, who held a 15-0 record with 12 knockouts at the time, stated in a 2015 interview that he prayed for Colon’s recovery and could not enjoy the victory, noting the events affected his life and career. Williams fought again in 2017 and 2019.