Prichard Colón, a former professional boxer whose career was tragically derailed by severe head injuries, has died at the age of 33. His passing comes 11 years after he sustained life-altering trauma during the only defeat of his professional tenure.
The news was confirmed by his father, Richard Colón, in a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday. “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” he wrote, adding, “Now he is in a better world. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Born in Florida and raised in Puerto Rico, Colón was a standout amateur athlete. Before turning 20, he secured five national amateur titles and earned a Youth Pan American gold medal. His professional career, which began in 2013, was equally promising. As a super welterweight, he compiled a record of 16 wins—13 by knockout—in 17 matches, including a notable fourth-round knockout of former WBA champion Vivian Harris in September 2015.
The trajectory of his life shifted just one month later during a bout against Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. During the 10-round fight, Colón sustained an illegal blow to the back of the head. Promoter Lou DiBella later reported that the 23-year-old fighter showed signs of head trauma in his dressing room following the match and required emergency surgery to alleviate intracranial pressure.
Video footage from the event captured the seventh-round incident where Williams landed the illegal punch, resulting in a penalty. Colón was later knocked down twice in the ninth round. The fight ended in disqualification after his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the contest had concluded. While Colón survived the incident, the severity of his injuries forced his retirement, and he spent the subsequent years in a wheelchair.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) issued a formal tribute on Thursday, mourning the loss of an “icon of bravery.” WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and the organization described Colón as an “eternal champion” who fought with the pride of Puerto Rico. The council had previously honored him with an “Honorary World Champion” title and presented him with its signature Green and Gold belt.
Reflecting on the tragedy, the WBC noted that Colón’s experience prompted the organization to implement stricter medical protocols and enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding “rabbit punches,” or blows to the back of the head. “Rest in peace, dear Prichard,” the organization stated. “Your legacy and your smile will live forever, in our hearts.” The report also notes that smashing a run of national amateur championships to win five titles, and earning a Youth Pan American gold medal, all before turning 20, he emerged as a promising young talent. The report also notes that beginning in 2013, was similarly successful, his professional career. The report also notes that and 13 were by a knock-out, the super welterweight competed in a total of 17 matches; he won 16 of those. The report also notes that when his corner mistakenly took off his gloves, thinking it was the final round and that the fight was complete, according to a Reuters report after the match, he was disqualified after the ninth round. The report also notes that he was often pictured in a wheelchair, in images shared by his father online since the fight. The report also notes that “Prichard didn’t just fight with skill; he fought with the elegance and pride of carrying Puerto Rico’s flag to the greatest heights,” it added.
