Former Boxer Prichard Colon Dies at 33, More Than a Decade After Devastating Ring Injury

Former professional boxer Prichard Colon, whose promising career came to a tragic end after suffering a severe brain injury during a controversial 2015 fight, has died at the age of 33.

The news was announced Thursday by his father, Richard Colon, in an emotional message shared on social media.

"Good morning, everyone. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my son, Prichard. He has left this world and is now in a better place," Richard Colon wrote in Spanish. He also thanked supporters for the years of prayers and encouragement the family received, asking that they continue to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Colon was once regarded as one of boxing's brightest young talents. Entering his October 2015 super welterweight bout against Terrel Williams, he held an undefeated 16-0 record, including 13 knockout victories, and was widely considered a rising star in the sport.

That trajectory changed dramatically during the fight, when Colon absorbed multiple blows to the back of the head—punches considered illegal under boxing rules. Although he repeatedly alerted the referee to the strikes, the bout continued. Meanwhile, Colon himself received a two-point deduction for an alleged low blow, while Williams was not penalized for the disputed punches.

Confusion marked the fight's conclusion. After Colon was knocked down in the ninth round, his corner mistakenly believed the bout had ended and removed his gloves while he was still in the ring. Because the fight had not officially been stopped, Colon was disqualified.

The most serious events unfolded after the match. As he made his way to the locker room, Colon became ill, vomiting before collapsing. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma, a life-threatening brain injury caused by bleeding beneath the skull.

Surgeons performed emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure, but Colon fell into a coma that lasted 221 days. Although he eventually regained consciousness, he was left with profound neurological damage that dramatically changed his life.

For the remainder of his life, Colon required extensive care from his family as he continued his long battle with the lasting effects of the injury.

His story became one of boxing's most heartbreaking tragedies, sparking renewed discussions about fighter safety, officiating, and medical protocols in the sport. Colon's determination throughout his recovery inspired countless supporters around the world, who continued to rally behind him and his family over the past decade.

Prichard Colon is remembered not only for the promise he showed inside the ring but also for the extraordinary resilience he displayed throughout his long and courageous fight beyond it.