Former Undefeated Boxer Prichard Colón Dies At 33 Following Long Battle With Brain Injury

PUERTO RICO (THECOUNT) — Prichard Colón, the former undefeated professional boxer whose promising career ended after a devastating brain injury suffered in the ring, has died at the age of 33, according to an announcement from his family.

Colón’s father and former trainer, Richard Colón, confirmed the death in a social media message, writing: “Good morning, everyone. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place.”

Richard Colón also thanked supporters who had followed his son’s long recovery journey, adding: “Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”

Colón, a native of Puerto Rico who later trained and fought out of Florida, was considered one of boxing’s brightest young prospects during the early years of his professional career. Competing in the junior middleweight division, he compiled an undefeated 16-0 record with 13 knockouts, earning recognition as a potential future world champion.

His career changed dramatically on Oct. 17, 2015, during a bout against Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. During the fight, Williams landed several punches that Colón’s corner later argued struck the back of his head. Colón was knocked down twice late in the contest.

Following the fight, Colón became ill in the locker room, complaining of dizziness before vomiting and collapsing. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors discovered a subdural hematoma, a serious brain injury caused by bleeding between the brain and its outer covering.

Emergency surgery was performed in an effort to relieve pressure on his brain. Colón remained in a coma for 221 days. When he regained consciousness, he faced significant physical and cognitive challenges and was unable to walk or speak independently.

For more than a decade following the injury, Colón’s recovery journey was followed by boxing fans around the world. He spent much of that time under the care of his parents, who regularly shared updates and rehabilitation milestones through social media.

Colón’s story became one of the most widely discussed examples of the risks associated with professional boxing and led to continued conversations within the sport regarding fighter safety, officiating, and medical protocols.

His exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

DEVELOPING::