Prichard Colón dies at 33: Boxer succumbs to brain injury suffered in 2015 fight

Prichard Colón, the promising Puerto Rican boxer whose career was tragically cut short by a severe brain injury suffered in the ring, has passed away at the age of 33, his family confirmed on Thursday, August 13.

Colón’s father, Richard Colón, announced the news on Facebook, writing: “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place.”

The cause of the death was a brain haemorrhage following his October 2015 fight against Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia.

Throughout the fight, Colón complained about illegal “rabbit punches” delivered by his opponent. But despite repeated protests, the fight continued. Following the match, Colón collapsed in the dressing room and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a brain bleed. He underwent emergency surgery and spent 221 days in a coma, leaving him in a persistent vegetative state. After sustaining injury, he couldn’t walk or speak and needed round-the-clock care for over a decade.

Following Colón’s death, WBC paid him a tribute, writing: “His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family. Rest in peace, champion.”