Former boxer dies after brain injury

Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after suffering a catastrophic brain injury during a boxing match.

His death was confirmed by his father, Richard Colon, in a social media post, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

“I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico, as much as he wanted,” his father wrote.

Colon was one of the most promising Puerto Rican boxers of his generation. Before the fatal fight in 2015, he had an undefeated record of 16 wins, including 13 by knockout.

On October 17, 2015, Colon faced American boxer Terrel Williams in a super lightweight bout.

During the fight, Colon repeatedly complained about punches to the back of the head, known in boxing as “rabbit punches” and prohibited under the rules.

Williams was penalized one point for the illegal punches. Colon was knocked down twice in the ninth round, while the fight ended with Colon being disqualified after his corner removed his gloves, believing the bout was over.

After the fight, Colon collapsed in the dressing room and was rushed to hospital. He was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, a severe brain hemorrhage, and underwent emergency surgery.

He remained in a coma for 221 days and, even after waking up, was unable to return to his previous condition. For years, he required constant care and was unable to walk or speak independently.

In 2017, the Colon family filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million against ringside doctor Richard Ashby and the fight’s promoters, alleging that the injury could have been prevented if proper medical measures had been taken.

The case involved claims that Colon had shown signs of neurological problems during the fight, including headaches and dizziness, but had been allowed to continue.

The boxing world responded with condolences following his death. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) described Colon as a “fighter until the end,” praising his courage and strength during the years he battled the effects of his injury.

Prichard Colon’s story became one of the most heartbreaking cases in modern boxing, raising serious concerns over boxer safety and the treatment of head injuries.

Photo: Instagram/prichardcolon