Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón dies 11 years after sustaining brain damage in the ring

Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón died at the age of 33 on Friday, 11 years after sustaining brain damage in his only professional defeat. The World Boxing Council and the World Boxing Organization confirmed his passing. In October 2015, Colón suffered a brain bleed during a light-middleweight bout against Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia.

He underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and suffered irreversible neurological damage due to severe, illegal blows to the back of his head. Colón never fought again and was subsequently pictured in a wheelchair. The WBC honored him as an honorary world champion, recognizing his resilience, faith, and dignity. His death prompted the WBC to reinforce safety regulations and implement stricter medical protocols.

The World Boxing Organization called Colón a warrior until the very end, praising his courage, strength, and fighting spirit. Colón had an impressive record of 16 straight wins, including 13 knockouts, before his fatal loss.