Boxer's Tragic Passing
Former Boxer Prichard Colon Dies at 33, Years After Career-Ending Brain Injury
Prichard Colon, a Puerto Rican boxer once seen as one of the sport's brightest young stars, has died at age 33, nearly a decade after a devastating brain injury ended his career and left him with severe neurological damage, according to WVTM13. His father, Richard Colon, confirmed the news.
Colon had gone undefeated in his first 16 professional fights, winning 13 by knockout. His life changed permanently on October 17, 2015, when a fight against Terrel Williams left him with a traumatic brain injury. He never recovered. No official cause of death has been released.
A Rising Star Cut Down at 16-0
Colon was considered a top prospect in the super welterweight division. He was just 23 years old at the time of the injury. His record stood at 16 wins and zero losses. Thirteen of those wins came by knockout — a sign of serious punching power for his age and weight class, KETV reported.
Fans and boxing insiders had high expectations for his future. The fight against Terrel Williams on that October night in 2015 was supposed to be another step forward. Instead, it became the last fight of his life.
Illegal Rabbit Punches Triggered the Fatal Injury
During the Williams fight, Colon absorbed repeated "rabbit punches" — illegal blows to the back of the head. These hits are banned in boxing because they can cause serious brain damage. Colon began showing signs of distress late in the bout. He vomited in the ring before the fight was stopped, according to KMBC.
He was rushed to the hospital and found to have a subdural hematoma — dangerous bleeding between the brain and skull. Doctors performed emergency surgery. Though he survived, the damage was permanent. He spent years in a vegetative state, unable to speak or move on his own.
Williams Won, But the Victory Was Overturned
Terrel Williams was declared the winner of the fight on a technical decision. But boxing officials later reviewed the bout. Because of the repeated illegal punches, the result was changed. Williams was handed a no-contest ruling and later faced a suspension, according to WAPT.
The case drew national attention to referee oversight and fighter safety inside the ring. Critics called for stricter enforcement of rules against rabbit punches. The fight became a grim example used in discussions about how boxing can better protect its athletes.
Colon's Death Reignites Boxing Safety Debate
Colon spent nearly 10 years in a severely diminished state before his death. His family cared for him throughout that time. His father, Richard Colon, had spoken publicly in past years about his son's condition and the toll it took on their family, WMUR reported.
His passing at 33 is a stark reminder of the risks professional boxers face. The sport has long debated how to improve safety rules and medical oversight. Colon's story — a 16-0 prospect destroyed by illegal blows — stands as one of boxing's most tragic modern cases, according to KCCI.
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