Prichard Colon, boxer left with brain injury after 2015 fight, dies at 33

Former professional boxer Prichard Colon has died aged 33, nearly 11 years after a 2015 bout left him in a coma following a controversial defeat.

Colon’s father announced his son’s death on social media on Thursday.

“Good morning, my people,” Colon’s father Richard wrote on Facebook. “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. 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 much as he desired, but couldn’t. “Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”

The Puerto Rican had built an unbeaten record of 16 wins, including 13 by knockout, before stepping into the ring against Terrel Williams in October 2015.

The fight became infamous because Colon appeared to take several blows to the back of his head, despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the referee’s attention. The contest continued, while Colon was also penalised twice for low blows.

In the ninth round, Colon was knocked down. A misunderstanding followed as members of his corner removed his gloves, apparently believing the fight had ended. However, Colon was subsequently disqualified.

His condition deteriorated rapidly after he returned to the dressing room. Colon began vomiting before collapsing and was rushed to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a subdural haematoma, a serious form of bleeding around the brain.

He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure caused by swelling and remove the blood collection. Colon was subsequently placed in a coma that lasted 221 days.

Although he eventually regained consciousness, the damage had left him in a vegetative state. He was unable to communicate verbally and relied on computer assistance to speak.

Colon was cared for by his family for the remainder of his life before his death at the age of 33.

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