Former Boxer Prichard Colon Dies at 33 After 2015 Brain Injury

Former professional boxer Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33, 11 years after suffering a devastating brain injury during a 2015 fight that left him in a coma for 221 days.

Colon, a Puerto Rican boxer once regarded as one of the sport’s promising young talents, sustained severe neurological damage following his bout against American fighter Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia.

His death was announced by his father, Richard Colon, late Thursday.

Colon was at his family home in Florida when he died.

Prichard Colon suffered brain injury during 2015 fight

Colon faced Williams in a super-welterweight bout in October 2015.

The fight ended in the ninth round after Colon was disqualified when members of his team removed his gloves.

During the contest, Colon complained that Williams had repeatedly struck him on the back of the head. Such blows, commonly referred to as “rabbit punches”, are prohibited in boxing.

The referee penalised Williams with a point following one of Colon’s complaints.

Colon later collapsed after returning to his dressing room.

He was diagnosed with a subdural haematoma and underwent emergency brain surgery.

The injury left him in a coma for 221 days.

Colon required round-the-clock care

Colon eventually regained consciousness, but the full extent of his neurological injuries became clear after he awoke.

The former boxer required constant care for the remainder of his life as a result of the damage caused by the injury.

His condition attracted widespread attention and became part of a broader discussion about safety and the risks associated with professional boxing.

The circumstances surrounding the 2015 bout continued to be discussed within the boxing community for years after the incident.

Prichard Colon’s boxing career

Before his fight with Williams, Colon had established an impressive professional record.

He won all 16 of his professional fights, including 13 victories by knockout, and was considered one of boxing’s emerging talents.

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The undefeated fighter’s career was cut short by the devastating injuries he suffered in the Williams bout.

Williams was also unbeaten at the time of their meeting, entering the fight with a record of 15 victories, including 12 knockouts.

Terrel Williams expressed concern after fight

Williams later spoke about the impact Colon’s injury had on him.

Shortly after the fight, Williams told the Los Angeles Times that he was deeply concerned about Colon’s condition and was praying for his recovery.

Williams continued his own boxing career, fighting again in 2017 and 2019, but acknowledged that the events surrounding the Colon fight had affected his life and career.

Family announces Colon’s death

Colon spent his final years with his family in Florida.

Announcing his death, his father, Richard Colon, expressed his grief and said his son had passed from this world.

The death of Colon, more than a decade after the injury that changed his life, has once again drawn attention to the dangers of traumatic brain injuries in boxing and the importance of fighter safety.

His story remains one of the most tragic examples of the potential long-term consequences of injuries sustained inside the boxing ring.