Prichard Colón, a once-rising star in professional boxing, has died at the age of 33. His passing comes 11 years after he sustained life-altering head injuries during the only defeat of his professional career, an event that left him permanently disabled.
The news of his death was confirmed by his father, Richard Colón, in a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday. “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” he wrote, adding, “Now he is in a better world. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Born in Florida and raised in Puerto Rico, Colón was a standout amateur athlete. Before turning 20, he had secured five national amateur titles and earned a Youth Pan American gold medal. His professional trajectory was equally impressive; starting in 2013, the super welterweight compiled a record of 16 wins—13 by knockout—out of 17 total bouts. A highlight of his career occurred in September 2015, when he defeated former WBA champion Vivian Harris via a fourth-round knockout.
The trajectory of his life changed in October 2015 during a match against Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. During the 10-round contest, Colón, then 23, was struck by an illegal blow to the back of the head. Promoter Lou DiBella later reported that the fighter exhibited signs of severe head trauma in his dressing room after the bout. He was rushed to a hospital for emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Video footage from the fight revealed Williams landing a rabbit punch in the seventh round, which resulted in a penalty. Colón was knocked down twice in the ninth round and was disqualified after the round ended when his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the fight had concluded. The injuries sustained that night forced his immediate retirement, and he spent the subsequent years in a wheelchair, a reality documented in photos shared by his family.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) issued a formal tribute, honoring Colón as an “eternal champion” and an “icon of bravery.” In a statement, WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán expressed the organization’s deep sorrow, noting that Colón fought with the pride and elegance of a true representative of Puerto Rico. The WBC had previously bestowed upon him the title of “Honorary World Champion,” presenting him with the organization’s signature Green and Gold belt.
Reflecting on the tragedy, the WBC stated that Colón’s injury served as a catalyst for significant reform within the sport. The organization noted that his case pushed them to implement stricter medical protocols and enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding rabbit punches. “Rest in peace, dear Prichard,” the council concluded. “Your legacy and your smile will live forever, in our hearts.” The report also notes that smashing a run of national amateur championships to win five titles, and earning a Youth Pan American gold medal, all before turning 20, he emerged as a promising young talent. The report also notes that beginning in 2013, was similarly successful, his professional career. The report also notes that and 13 were by a knock-out, the super welterweight competed in a total of 17 matches; he won 16 of those. The report also notes that “Prichard didn’t just fight with skill; he fought with the elegance and pride of carrying Puerto Rico’s flag to the greatest heights,” it added.