Prichard Colón Dead at 33: The Boxer Whose Story Changed How We Talk About Fighter Safety

Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón, the fighter whose bright career turned out to be tragic when a match held in 2015 left him with a serious brain injury, has passed away at the age of 33, according to a statement issued by the family of the victim.

Richard Colón, the father and former trainer of the late fighter, posted about the death on his Facebook page. According to him, he had been trying to visit Puerto Rico to see his son, but, unfortunately, he could not manage it. Richard thanked all those who have supported him over the years.

Fighting world executive Paco Valcárcel informed El Nuevo Día about the passing of the boxer. Moreover, the World Boxing Organization, in its statement about the boxer’s life, said that it exemplified courage and tenacity and touched the boxing community both inside and outside the ring.

During his career, the boxer won 16 fights (13 by KO) and had only one disqualified match. Colón was suffering from a critical brain hemorrhage while fighting against Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, during a nationally televised match on October 17, 2015.

Colón received a disqualification in the ninth round after his team pulled his gloves due to blows to the back of his head, an action that was illegal under boxing regulations. Meanwhile, Williams lost a point for the same rabbit punching in a prior round. The fouls continued mostly unchecked by the referee in this match. Prichard underwent emergency brain surgery and spent 221 days in a coma.

Later, he did not wake up from a coma and remained in a persistent vegetative state requiring constant treatment. Family videos of the fighter undergoing rehabilitation were being uploaded regularly. His case became the key topic of debate concerning the safety of the fighters and referees in martial sports. Also, his family launched a lawsuit against the organizers of this final match.