Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has died at the age of 33, more than 10 years after suffering severe brain injuries in a fight that left him in a vegetative state. Colon's father, Richard, announced his son's passing on social media, stating, "He is now in a better place."
Colon sustained a bleed on the brain in October 2015 while competing as a super-middleweight against Terrel Williams in Virginia. The injury occurred after he absorbed repeated blows to the back of his head, which are considered illegal rabbit punches in boxing. Following the fight, Colon vomited and collapsed in the dressing room before being taken to the hospital.
Doctors discovered a subdural hematoma, and Colon underwent emergency surgery to relieve swelling in his brain. He remained in a coma for 221 days. Upon waking, he was unable to walk or talk and required near-constant care from his family.
Prior to the fight with Williams, Colon was considered a promising prospect in the sport, holding an undefeated record of 16-0 with 13 knockouts. His career was irrevocably altered by the injuries sustained in that bout.
Despite his condition, Colon showed resilience in the years following the injury. In a video shared on his Facebook profile approximately three years ago, he appeared to attempt to speak and even smile, with a post captioned, "I will not give up." Other videos depicted him attending family events and showing progress in performing personal tasks like brushing his teeth.
Colon's tragic story has resonated within the boxing community. Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder became emotional when discussing Colon's situation, highlighting the profound impact of his injuries and the lifelong care he required.