The boxing world mourns the departure of Prichard Colón, the Puerto Rican boxer who passed away at the age of 33 on August 13, 2026. Colón had been fighting a battle for his life for 11 years, since suffering a devastating brain injury during a professional fight in 2015. The sad news was confirmed by his father, Richard Colón, marking the end of a decade of fighting for recovery.
The injury that changed everything in 2015
Prichard Colón’s promising career was cut short on October 17, 2015, when he faced Terrel Williams. During the fight, the boxer suffered a subdural hematoma on the left side of his brain, a very serious injury that led him to faint after the fight and, later, into a prolonged coma. With an undefeated record of 16 wins before the incident, Colón was considered a rising star in the sport.
More on this story: Former boxer Prichard Colón dies after more than a decade in a vegetative state
The long and arduous journey to recovery
Following the injury, Prichard Colón remained in a coma for 221 days, entering a persistent vegetative state from which he never fully recovered. He was unable to restore his ability to speak, relying on computerized assistance and intense physical therapy to communicate and respond to basic commands.
The family and medical team undertook a long journey of rehabilitation. His mother, Nieves Colón, frequently shared updates about Prichard’s small but significant progress, including a 2018 video of him demonstrating following verbal commands. This tireless dedication reflects the love and hope that surrounded the young boxer.
Father’s moving message
Prichard Colón’s death was announced by his father, Richard Colón, who played the roles of father and coach throughout his son’s career. In a moving message published in Spanish, Richard expressed the pain of loss and unconditional love:
Learn more: Former boxer Prichard Colón dies aged 33 after long battle with brain injury
“Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this world. He is now in a better place. I did everything in my power to fulfill his wish, his dream of taking him on vacation to Puerto Rico, as he so wanted, but it was not possible.”
“Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. Please continue to pray for us as often as possible.”
The court case and the legacy of boxing safety
Since 2017, Prichard Colón’s family has been waging legal action against the ring doctor and the promoters of the fight that resulted in the injury. This litigation, which remained unresolved at the time of his death, raises important questions about the safety of athletes in combat sports and the responsibility of organizations. The family’s dedication to seeking justice and care for Prichard over more than a decade serves as a painful reminder of the risks inherent in boxing and the need for rigorous protocols to protect competitors.
Final details about the boxer’s death
Although the family confirmed Prichard Colón’s passing, additional details about the circumstances of his death have not been released. The family reported that he continued to reside in the United States, where he received continuous treatment and the care of his loved ones until his final moments. Prichard Colón’s story remains a testament to the passion for sport, human resilience and the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity.