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Prichard Colon has passed away at the age of 33 after he suffered a life-altering brain injury that left him in a vegetative state.
Prichard Colon suffered irreversible damage to his brain during the bout. (AFP Photo)
Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33. The former Puerto Rican boxer’s life changed during the 17th and final bout of his career in October 2015, when he suffered a brain injury that left him in a permanent vegetative state for nearly 11 years.
A month after turning 24, Colon faced Terrel Williams in a super welterweight bout at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. During the fight, he endured multiple illegal punches to the back of his head, causing irreversible damage.
Colon lost the bout, the only defeat of his professional career, by disqualification when his team mistakenly removed his gloves with 17 seconds remaining in the 9th round.
The fight itself was controversial. Colon was penalised two points for a low blow on Williams.
Later on in the seventh round, Williams was handed a two-point penalty for illegally punching Colon twice on the back of his head.
Officials subsequently faced backlash for allowing the bout to continue despite Colon complaining of dizziness.
In the ninth round, Colon was knocked down twice, and his corner eventually took off his gloves, believing the bout had ended when it had not.
The referee disqualified Colon, bringing an end to his unbeaten run.
After the fight, Colon collapsed after vomiting in the locker room.
He was rushed to hospital, where doctors performed an emergency “hemicraniectomy” after he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma – bleeding near the brain caused by a head injury. He then spent 221 days in a coma and was left in a vegetative state until his death on August 13, 2026.
Colon’s father, Richard, made the heartbreaking announcement on social media.
“Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son, Prichard, from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world,” Richard wrote.
“I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so desired, but it couldn’t be done. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers,” he added.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) also released a statement mourning his death.
“Prichard left us with profound lessons about life, resilience, and our sport,” the WBA said. “The entire boxing community mourns this heartbreaking and significant loss. “Rest in peace, champion.”
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
August 14, 2026, 09:19 IST
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