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Former boxer Prichard Colon, 33, dies 11 years after brain injury
Retired boxer Prichard Colon passed away on Thursday at the age of 33, 11 years after suffering a brain injury during a fight in 2015.
Colon’s father, Richard, announced his passing on social media.
In a fight with Terrel Williams in October of 2015, Colon had complained about rabbit punches — illegal blows to the back of the head. Colon lost the fight by disqualification after his corner removed his gloves following the ninth round, thinking it was the final round.
After the bout, he collapsed in the dressing room. According to reports, Colon had a brain bleed and fell into a coma, waking up more than 200 days later. He was reportedly in a vegetative state and under family care until his death.
Colon, then only 23 years old, was 16-0 in his career prior to that Williams bout.
There is now a WBC rule named after him involving zero tolerance protocols for rabbit punching.
Many in the boxing community, including the WBC, WBA, and WBO posted tributes to Colon after his death, calling him "champion".
A warrior until the very end. 🥊
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 13, 2026
The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit transcended the ring. His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family.
Rest in peace, champion. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gBbBVVlOXN
—JMB, GMA News
