A Promising Career Cut Short
Former boxer Prichard Colón has passed away at the age of 33, 11 years after sustaining severe head injuries during a professional fight. His father, Richard Colón, announced the news on Facebook on Thursday, stating, “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world.” He also expressed gratitude for years of love and prayers, requesting continued prayers for the family.
Colón, born in Florida, moved to Puerto Rico as a child. He quickly established himself as a promising talent in amateur boxing, securing five national amateur championships and a Youth Pan American gold medal before reaching the age of 20. His professional career began in 2013, where the super welterweight competed in 17 matches, winning 16 of them, with 13 victories coming by knockout.
A notable win in Colón’s career was against former WBA champion Vivian Harris in September 2015, where he achieved a knockout in the fourth round. However, his career took a tragic turn a month later during a fight against Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
The Fateful Fight and Its Aftermath
During the fight against Williams, Colón, who was 23 at the time, suffered injuries including an illegal blow to the back of the head. Footage from the fight showed Williams hitting Colón in the back of the head in the seventh round, leading to a penalty for Williams. Colón was briefly examined in his corner. He was knocked down twice in the ninth round.
The fight concluded with Colón’s disqualification after the ninth round when his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the fight was over. Following the bout, Colón exhibited symptoms of head trauma in his dressing room and was immediately taken to the hospital. He underwent surgery to alleviate pressure on his brain and subsequently entered a coma that lasted for 221 days.
Colón lived the remainder of his life in a vegetative state, unable to walk or speak, and required constant care. Images shared by his father online often depicted him in a wheelchair. His parents filed a lawsuit against the ringside doctor and promoters associated with the fight, which remains unsettled.
Legacy and Tributes
The World Boxing Council (WBC) paid tribute to Colón, calling him an “eternal champion” and an “icon of bravery.” In a statement released on Thursday, the WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, expressed profound sadness. The organization highlighted that Colón fought with skill, elegance, and pride, representing Puerto Rico.
The WBC had previously honoured Colón by naming him an “Honorary World Champion” and presenting him with the iconic Green and Gold belt. His tragedy also prompted the WBC to reinforce safety regulations, implementing a zero-tolerance policy for blows to the back of the head, also known as rabbit punches, and establishing stricter medical protocols. The WBA also posted on X, describing Colón as “a true warrior in every sense of the word” who left profound lessons about life, resilience, and the sport.
Mauricio Sulaimán further acknowledged Colón’s 11 years of fighting like a true champion, supported by his mother Nieves, his father, and many friends. The WBC concluded its tribute by saying, “Rest in peace, dear Prichard. Your legacy and your smile will live forever, in our hearts.”
Source: cnn.com
