Prichard Colón, the Puerto Rican boxing prospect whose promising profession was minimize brief by a catastrophic mind harm suffered throughout a 2015 bout, has died on the age of 33.
Colón’s father, Richard Colón, confirmed his son’s loss of life Thursday. He expressed his grief whereas thanking the individuals who had supported the household all through Colón’s years of medical struggles.
The precise reason behind loss of life has not been publicly disclosed. Colón had spent greater than a decade residing with extreme neurological problems following the harm he suffered within the ring.
A promising profession minimize brief
Born in Florida and raised in Puerto Rico, Colón rapidly established himself as certainly one of boxing’s most promising younger fighters. He turned skilled in 2013 and received his first 16 bouts, together with 13 by knockout, getting into his closing struggle with an undefeated document.
That profession got here to a devastating finish on October 17, 2015, when Colón confronted Terrel Williams at EagleBank Area in Fairfax, Virginia.
In the course of the struggle, Colón was repeatedly struck by punches to the again of the top. He complained of dizziness and different signs earlier than finally collapsing after the bout. Medical doctors found a critical subdural hematoma and carried out emergency mind surgical procedure.
Colón subsequently spent 221 days in a coma. After waking, he was left with profound neurological disabilities and required in depth help and around-the-clock take care of the rest of his life.
Years of rehabilitation and household care
For greater than a decade, Colón’s household remained dedicated to his care. His story attracted worldwide consideration and have become a painful reminder of the possibly devastating penalties of head trauma in boxing.
His mom, Nieves Colón, was amongst those that performed a central function in his day by day care, whereas his father remained intently concerned in his life.
Colón’s wrestle additionally prompted broader conversations about fighter security, officiating and the duty of ringside medical personnel. In 2021, the World Boxing Council honored him as an honorary champion.
An enduring legacy
Information of Colón’s loss of life prompted tributes all through the boxing group, with organizations and fighters remembering him not just for what occurred within the ring however for the resilience he demonstrated throughout the years that adopted.
The World Boxing Group described his life as a testomony to resilience and to the unwavering love of his household.
Colón’s skilled profession lasted solely 17 fights, however his story reached far past his document. He had entered boxing as an undefeated prospect with desires of changing into a champion. As a substitute, his title turned related to one of many sport’s most tragic reminders of the hazards fighters face.
Prichard Colón was 33.
