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Former welterweight Prichard Colon died on Thursday, nearly 11 years after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a nationally televised fight. He was 33.
Whether his death was related to the brain injury is unclear but his father, Richard Colon, announced his son’s passing on Facebook.
“Good morning, my people,” Richard Colon wrote in Spanish. “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from his earthly world. He is now in a better place. I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so deeply wanted, but it could not be done. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Colon (16-1, 13 KOs), a Puerto Rican born in Maitland, Florida, was a top Premier Boxing Champions prospect when he was matched with unbeaten Terrel Williams on Oct. 17, 2015 in the NBC-televised co-feature of home region fighter Lamont Peterson’s decision win over then-unbeaten Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in a welterweight bout at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
After referee Joe Cooper penalized Colon two points for a deliberate low blow in the fifth round, and Williams knocked him down twice in the ninth round, Williams led 88-81 and 85-84 on two scorecards and Colon led 85-84 on the third.
Williams had been penalized one point for landing a right hand to the back of Colon’s head in the seventh round. Colon had complained to Cooper about repeatedly being hit behind the head, a dangerous foul Cooper was heavily criticized for allowing so frequently and which many believed contributed to Colon’s brain injury.
The fight ended in confusion after the ninth round when Colon’s corner began cutting his gloves off believing the fight was over even though it was scheduled for 10 rounds. It resulted in Colon being disqualified because he could not come out for the final round without gloves on.
Colon was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital due to vomiting, fainting and dizzy spells in his dressing room before the main event began.
The injuries left Colon in a coma for 221 days and when he awoke he was unable to walk or speak. As years went by he did seem to make some improvements as seen in social media videos posted by his family.
Virginia investigated the incident and released a report in 2016 that found that “while Colon’s medical condition following the contest against Williams is tragic, there is not one action so apparent and/or egregious to justify laying blame on one person.”
The Colon family, which received tremendous financial assistance from PBC founder Al Haymon since the injury, filed a lawsuit in 2017 against ringside doctor Richard Ashby and promoters DiBella Entertainment and Headbangers seeking $50 million in damages. The promoters were eventually dropped from the suit and the no result was ever made public about the doctor.
The WBC, which honored Colon in 2021 as honorary world champion, and WBO issued statements extending their condolences.
“The World Boxing Council mourns the passing of Prichard Colon, leaving an indelible mark on boxing and, above all, in the hearts of millions who admired his extraordinary courage and indomitable spirit. … He proudly represented Puerto Rico and appeared destined for a brilliant career at the highest levels of the sport.
“But Prichard’s true greatness emerged after the tragic October 2015 night that changed his life forever. Following a devastating brain injury, he spent 221 days in a coma and faced challenges that would have broken even the strongest among us. Prichard, however, never stopped fighting.
“His courage, determination and, above all, his desire to live life to the fullest made him an inspiration to people around the world. His smile, his progress, his perseverance and the unconditional love of his family transformed his story into one of the greatest expressions of strength and hope the boxing community has ever known.”
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri posted to social media, “It is with profound sorrow that the World Boxing Organization has received the news of the passing of Prichard Colon, shared today by his father through social media. On behalf of our organization and the entire WBO family, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his parents, family, and loved ones during this time of immeasurable loss.
“Prichard’s life was defined by courage, perseverance, and an extraordinary fighting spirit. His story transcended the ring and deeply touched the boxing community, which stood by him throughout the years with respect, admiration, and hope. Today, the WBO solemnly joins his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing, supporting, and loving him in mourning his passing.
“We offer our prayers for Prichard’s eternal rest and ask God to grant his family strength, peace, and comfort during this time of profound sorrow.”
In the 2024, Colon and his family received the John McCain-Bill Crawford courage award for overcoming adversity from the Boxing Writers Association of America.
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