Boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33, 11 years after receiving illegal blow to the head during fight

Boxer Prichard Colón Dies at 33: A Life Remembered

Healfromzero.com – Boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33, eleven years after a career-altering injury during a professional bout. His father, Richard Colón, announced the news on Thursday through a Facebook post, sharing the heartbreaking update with fans and the global boxing community.

“I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” Richard Colón wrote. “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.”

Rising Star from Puerto Rico

Born in Florida but raised in Puerto Rico, Colón became one of the island’s most promising boxing talents. Before turning 20, he won five consecutive national championships and earned a gold medal at the Youth Pan American Games.

Colón turned professional in 2013 in the super welterweight division. He compiled a record of 16 wins from 17 bouts, with 13 victories by knockout. His most memorable victory came in September 2015 when he knocked out former WBA champion Vivian Harris in the fourth round.

The Fight That Changed Boxing Forever

One month after defeating Harris, Colón faced Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. At 23 years old, he suffered an illegal blow to the back of his head during the seventh round of the ten-round fight. Video footage captured the moment Williams struck Colón behind the head, an incident that would later reshape boxing safety rules worldwide.

Despite being penalized for the illegal strike, Colón continued fighting and was knocked down twice in the ninth round. In a dramatic turn, his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the bout had ended, resulting in a disqualification.

“The young fighter exhibited symptoms of head trauma in his dressing room following the bout and was rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain,” promoter Lou DiBella stated.

The injury caused a subdural hematoma, commonly known as SCLI, leaving Colón with permanent neurological damage. Images shared by his father over the years showed the boxer in a wheelchair, yet his spirit never wavered.

A Lasting Legacy

The World Boxing Council issued a tribute on Thursday, calling Colón an “eternal champion.” “With a heavy heart and immense sadness enveloping the entire international boxing community, the World Boxing Council and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, mourn the passing of former boxer and icon of bravery, Prichard Colón Meléndez,” the organization declared.

The WBC highlighted that Colón’s impact extended beyond his athletic career. “Prichard didn’t just fight with skill; he fought with the elegance and pride of carrying Puerto Rico’s flag to the greatest heights,” the statement read. The organization had previously named him an “Honorary World Champion” and presented him with the Green and Gold belt.

Colón’s tragedy also prompted lasting changes in boxing safety protocols. The WBC announced that his case inspired the organization to “categorically reinforce safety regulations, driving zero tolerance for blows to the back of the head (rabbit punches),” while implementing stricter medical protocols for fighters with head trauma.

“Rest in peace, dear Prichard. Your legacy and your smile will live forever, in our hearts,” the WBC concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Prichard Colón’s death? The boxer died at age 33, eleven years after suffering a subdural hematoma (SCLI) from an illegal blow to the back of his head during a professional fight in 2015.

Who was Prichard Colón? A Puerto Rican-American boxer born in Florida, Colón was a rising star in the super welterweight division with a professional record of 16 wins from 17 bouts.

What rule changes resulted from Colón’s injury? The World Boxing Council implemented zero tolerance for rabbit punches and stricter medical protocols for fighters suffering head trauma following Colón’s case.

When did Prichard Colón pass away? His father announced his death on Thursday through a Facebook post, eleven years after the fight that changed his life forever.