Boxer Prichard Colón dies aged 33 after 2015 brain injury
Prichard Colón, a Puerto Rican boxer who suffered a brain injury in 2015, has died at the age of 33.
The boxing talent fell into a 221-day coma after his opponent Terrel Williams landed repeated illegal punches to the back of his head in northern Virginia.
Colón woke up in a vegetative state and required computer assistance to communicate, and remained in full-time care from his family until he died.
"Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world," the sportsman’s dad Richard Colon said in a statement shared on Facebook.
"Now he is in a better world. I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so desired, but it couldn't be done.
"Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers."
Before he was wheelchair bound for his remaining years, the prospect held a record of 16-1, including 13 knockouts.
He was unbeaten in 16 bouts before his October fight with Williams where he suffered catastrophic brain damage from rabbit punches to the back of his head.
Throughout the match, Colón repeatedly complained to referee Joe Cooper about illegal blows to the back of his head and neck.
Then in the seventh round, a severe rabbit punch sent Colón to his knees before Cooper deducted a point from Williams, allowing the fight to continue.
Williams knocked Colón down twice in the ninth round when his cornermen mistakenly unlaced and removed his gloves, thinking the 10-round fight was finished.
Because he could not continue when the misunderstanding was cleared, Colón was disqualified.
He was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where emergency surgery said an acute subdural hematoma was causing severe brain bleeding.
In a statement, the WBO said he remained ‘a warrior until the very end’.
“The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit transcended the ring,” they said.
“His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family. Rest in peace, champion.”
The WBC added: “Today, we mourn the passing of Prichard Colón.
“A true warrior whose strength, courage, and fighting spirit inspired people around the world.
“The WBC family extends its deepest condolences to his mother, Nieves, his family, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Champion.”
Anish Vij