Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after sustaining a devastating brain injury during a professional bout that left him in a persistent vegetative state.
Colón died on Thursday, according to an announcement by his father and former coach, Richard Colón, in a Facebook post.
“Good morning my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world, now he is in a better world.
“I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as much as he desired but couldn’t.
“Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers,” the father wrote.
The former junior middleweight had an unbeaten professional record of 16 victories, including 13 knockouts, and was regarded as one of boxing’s brightest young prospects before his career was abruptly cut short in October 2015.
The life-changing injury occurred during his fight against American boxer Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Colón received several blows to the back of the head, commonly referred to in boxing as rabbit punches, and was knocked down twice in the ninth round before his corner stopped the fight.
He was rushed to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a subdural haematoma and carried out emergency surgery.
Colón remained in a coma for 221 days and never recovered the ability to walk or speak. He underwent years of rehabilitation and remained under the care of his family for the rest of his life.
The incident led to significant safety changes in boxing. In 2016, the World Boxing Council introduced the “Prichard Colón Rule”, which established zero tolerance for punches to the back of the head.
Two years after the incident, in 2017, Colón’s parents filed a $50 million lawsuit against the ringside physician and promoters involved in the fight.
Born on September 19, 1992, in Maitland, Florida, Colón also enjoyed an accomplished amateur career, winning gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.
His death has once again drawn attention to the long-term effects of head injuries in combat sports and the lasting influence of safety reforms introduced following his devastating injury.