Boxer Prichard Colon passes away at 33, more than ten years after a brain injury in the ring.
Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has sadly passed away at 33, after living with a brain injury sustained during a fight in 2015.
Back then, Colon was undefeated with a record of 16-0 (13 knockouts) when he faced Terrell Williams in a match that changed his life forever. During the fight, Prichard said he was hit illegally on the back of his head several times, but the referee let the fight continue and even took away two points from Prichard for a low blow.
In the ninth round, Prichard was knocked down. When he got up, his corner thought the fight was over and took off his gloves, only to find out the fight was still going. Because of that, Prichard was disqualified. After the fight, he was taken to the locker room, where he vomited and collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, which led to emergency brain surgery. He went into a coma that lasted 221 days.
When Prichard woke up, he couldn’t walk or talk and needed round-the-clock care for the rest of his life. Eleven years later, his father shared the heartbreaking news on social media that Prichard had passed away.
“Good morning, my people. I am sad to tell you that my son Prichard has left this world,” Richard Colon wrote on Facebook. “He is now in a better place. I did everything I could to make his dream come true and take him on vacation to Puerto Rico, but it wasn’t possible. Thank you all for your love and prayers. Please keep us in your prayers.”
After the fight, Prichard’s parents filed a lawsuit asking for over $50 million, blaming the ringside doctor and fight promoters. That case is still ongoing today.
Since the news of his passing, many from the boxing community have shared heartfelt tributes, honoring Prichard’s incredible strength and spirit. The WBA called him “a true warrior” who taught us about life and resilience and wished him to rest in peace.
The WBC, which named Prichard an honorary world champion in 2021, also paid tribute. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said, “Eleven years of fighting like a true champion, with unconditional love from your family and friends—you will never be forgotten.”
Gustavo Olivieri, president of the WBO, praised Prichard’s courage and fighting spirit, saying his story touched the whole boxing world. “Today, we join his family and all who loved him in mourning his passing. We pray for his eternal rest and ask God to give his family strength during this hard time. Rest in peace, Prichard Colon. You will always be remembered.”