Who was Pritchard Colon? The boxer, who suffered a brain injury after a 2015 fight, has died at the age of 33
Former Puerto Rican boxer Richard Colon has died at the age of 33, his father Richard confirmed on social media on Thursday (August 13). Colon was just 23 years old when he suffered a life-changing injury during his last ever professional fight against Tyrell Williams at Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, in 2015. During the 10-round fight, Williams repeatedly landed illegal blows to the back of Colon’s head, resulting in a brain bleed. Colon lived the rest of his life in a comatose state, unable to walk or speak, and requiring 24-hour care.
In his obituary, Richard explained that his son is now in a better world, having brought him to Puerto Rico on vacation to fulfill his wish.
Richard wrote: “Good morning, my people. I am sorry to inform you that my son Pritchard has passed away from this earthly world. He is now in a better world.”
“I did everything in my power to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as much as he desired but couldn’t. Thank you for the many years of love and prayer. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Who was Pritchard Colon?
Colon was born in Florida, and his family moved to Puerto Rico when he was a child. From an early age, Colon showed promise as a talented boxer. He quickly made his mark in the national amateur championships, winning five titles and earning a youth All-American gold medal, all before he was 20 years old.
Colon turned professional in 2013 and has enjoyed similar success in the super welterweight division. Colon competed in a total of 17 bouts, winning 16 of them, including 13 by knockout. The high point of his career came in 2015 when he knocked out former WBA champion Vivian Harris in the fourth round in September 2015.
A month later, Colon faced Williams in the fateful fight. He was disqualified after the ninth round when his corner accidentally removed his gloves thinking the fight was over. Colon collapsed in the locker room after the fight, after repeatedly complaining of being punched to the back of the head.
The Puerto Rican had suffered a brain hemorrhage, and after surgery to reduce brain swelling, he was in a coma for 221 days. Although Colon survived, injuries forced him to retire. In photos his father has shared online since the fighting, he is often seen in a wheelchair.
His parents have filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million (£37 million) in damages against the ringside doctor and promoters linked to the fight. This lawsuit is still unresolved.
