TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has died at 33, nearly 11 years after suffering a severe brain injury during a professional fight that ended his promising career.
His father, Richard Colón, confirmed his death in a Facebook post on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He did not disclose the cause of death.
Colón was 23 when he faced Terrel Williams in Virginia in October 2015. At the time, he was an undefeated prospect with a 16-0 record, including 13 knockouts. The fight became the defining event of his life after he suffered a catastrophic brain injury and spent 221 days in a coma.
Colón's final professional fight became a pivotal moment in his life. Here's what happened, according to Marca:
What Happened in Prichard Colón’s Final Fight?
Prichard Colón's fight against Terrel Williams took place on October 17, 2015, in Fairfax, Virginia. Colón entered the bout as one of boxing's rising prospects, having won all 16 of his previous professional fights.
The fight became increasingly controversial in the later rounds. Williams landed punches to the back of Colón's head, an area where punches are prohibited.
One of the blows in the seventh round appeared to stun Colón, who was briefly examined in his corner. Williams was penalized for the illegal punch, but the fight continued.
A Reuters report, as cited by ABC Australia, at the time described what happened next: “Williams was penalised for the illegal punch.”
Colón was knocked down twice in the ninth round and was disqualified after the round. His corner had mistakenly believed the ninth round was the final round and removed his gloves.
“His corner mistakenly took off his gloves, thinking it was the final round and that the fight was complete.”
The situation became more serious after Colón left the ring. He needed assistance to reach his dressing room, where he complained of dizziness before vomiting and eventually losing consciousness.
According to The Washington Post, Colón later said he felt dizzy, vomited and then “passed out.” He was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Brain Surgery and 221-Day Coma
Doctors diagnosed Colón with a severe brain injury involving a subdural hematoma, or bleeding around the brain. He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure and swelling.
He subsequently spent 221 days in a coma between hospitals in Virginia and Georgia. When he regained consciousness, he remained severely impaired and required around-the-clock care.
The injury left Colón unable to resume his boxing career and fundamentally changed his life.
Years of Rehabilitation
Colón's family continued to care for him and pursue rehabilitation in the years following the injury.
By 2019, he had made some progress. He was able to communicate through facial gestures, sounds and a computer that tracked his eye movements. He could also pedal a recumbent bicycle and take assisted steps during therapy.
His recovery remained a long-term effort led largely by his family.
In 2021, the World Boxing Council honored Colón as an honorary champion in recognition of his resilience.
What Happened After the Fight?
The circumstances surrounding Colón's injury prompted questions about the officiating and medical supervision during the bout.
In 2016, however, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation concluded that there was no wrongdoing by the fight's organizers. The regulator said it could not identify a single action or failure to act that was sufficiently apparent or egregious to hold one person accountable.
Colón's parents later filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million from the ringside doctor and promoters, according to earlier reports.
The case became part of the broader discussion around fighter safety, particularly the handling of repeated blows to the head and decisions about whether a bout should be stopped.
Colón Dies at 33
Colón died on August 13, 2026, more than a decade after the fight that left him with permanent brain damage. His father announced the death but did not provide a cause.
The World Boxing Organization joined the tributes. WBO President Gustavo Olivieri described Colón's life as one marked by courage, perseverance and a fighting spirit that extended beyond the boxing ring.
Colón's death brings renewed attention to the risks of traumatic brain injuries in boxing and to the decisions made by fighters, referees, medical staff and officials when a bout turns dangerous.
