Boxer Colon dies 11 years after brain injury in fight

Prichard Colon, a 33-year-old Puerto Rican boxer, passed away on Friday, his father Richard announced on social media. The fighter's demise was attributed to a brain hemorrhage that occurred during a 2015 bout against Terrell Williams. Colon, who had sustained multiple blows to the back of his head, collapsed in his dressing room following the fight and was diagnosed with a severe brain injury.

He endured a 221-day coma and lived the remainder of his life in a vegetative state, unable to move or communicate, necessitating round-the-clock care. Richard Colon expressed his regret in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating that despite his best efforts to fulfill his son's dream of a vacation in Puerto Rico, it could not be realized.

He thanked everyone for their love and prayers, urging others to keep the family in their thoughts as well. Colon, who had an impressive record of 16 wins (13 by knockout) prior to the 2015 match, was initially disqualified and later faced a lawsuit from his parents seeking over $50 million in damages from the involved parties. Born in Florida but raised in Puerto Rico, Colon exhibited exceptional talent as a teenager and had aspirations of representing his country at the 2012 London Olympics.

Despite failing to reach the quarter-finals, he made a successful transition to professional boxing in 2013. The World Boxing Association (WBA) paid tribute to Colon, describing him as a true warrior who imparted valuable lessons about life and resilience. In 2021, he was recognized as an honorary WBC world champion by the sanctioning body's president, Mauricio Sulaiman.

Sulaiman paid his respects in an X post, expressing that Colon's memory would never be forgotten by the boxing community and all those who cherished his legacy.