Who Was Prichard Colon? All About the Puerto Rican Boxer Who Died at 33

Former professional boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, according to a social media announcement from his father. The news comes more than ten years after a catastrophic injury in the ring changed the course of his life forever.

His father, Richard Colón, shared the emotional update on Facebook, noting that his son is now in a better place. He expressed his regret that they could not fulfill Prichard's wish to return to Puerto Rico for a holiday and thanked fans for years of constant support.

A Rising Star Cut Short

Born in Florida and raised in Puerto Rico, Colón was once one of the most promising talents in the sport. After a stellar amateur run, he turned pro in 2013 and maintained an undefeated record through his first 16 professional bouts.

His momentum was halted during a 2015 fight in Virginia against Terrel Williams. During the match, Colón was subjected to several illegal 'rabbit punches' to the back of his head, leading to complaints of dizziness that were initially dismissed by ringside officials.

The Fight for Survival

The match ended in chaos when Colón's team mistakenly removed his gloves after the ninth round, resulting in a disqualification. However, the situation turned dire in the dressing room when the fighter began vomiting and collapsed.

Emergency surgery revealed a massive subdural hematoma, forcing doctors to perform a hemicraniectomy to save his life. Colón remained in a coma for 221 days, eventually waking to a reality of permanent neurological damage and the need for constant medical care.

A Lasting Legacy

For the last decade, Colón’s family has documented his grueling rehabilitation journey. His struggle became a central point in global discussions regarding fighter safety and the dangers of illegal blows in the ring.

While an official cause of death has not been released by the family, the boxing world continues to pay tribute to the man who fought his hardest battle outside the ropes.