Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has died at age 33, his father Richard confirmed on social media on Thursday (Aug 13). Colon was solely 23 when he sustained a life-altering harm throughout his last-ever skilled struggle towards Terrel Williams on the EagleBank Area in Fairfax, Virginia, in 2015. Throughout the 10-round struggle, Williams repeatedly landed unlawful blows to the again of Colon’s head, leading to a mind hemorrhage. Colon lived the remainder of his life in a vegetative state, unable to stroll or speak, and required 24-hour care.
In an obituary publish, Richard detailed that his son was now in a greater world, after bringing him to Puerto Rico on trip to satisfy his want.
“Good morning, my individuals. I remorse to tell you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he’s in a greater world,” wrote Richard.
“I did every part doable to satisfy his want, his dream of bringing him on trip to Puerto Rico as a lot as he desired however could not. Thanks for thus a few years of affection and prayers. As a lot as you’ll be able to, please preserve us in your prayers.”
Who Was Prichard Colon?
Born in Florida, Colon’s household moved to Puerto Rico when he was a baby. From an early age, Colon displayed promise as a proficient pugilist. He quickly made his mark within the nationwide newbie championships, profitable 5 titles and incomes a Youth Pan American gold medal, all earlier than turning 20.
Colon turned professional in 2013 and tasted related success within the tremendous welterweight class. Competing in a complete of 17 matches, Colon gained 16, with 13 victories coming through knockout. His profession’s highest level got here in 2015 when he knocked out former WBA champion Vivian Harris within the fourth spherical in September 2015.
A month later, Colon squared up towards Williams within the fateful struggle. He was disqualified after the ninth spherical when his nook mistakenly eliminated his gloves, believing the struggle was over. Colon collapsed in his altering room after the struggle, having repeatedly complained about punches to the again of his head.
The Puerto Rican had suffered a mind haemorrhage, and after having an operation to cut back mind swelling, he was positioned in a coma for 221 days. Although Colon survived, the accidents compelled him to retire. In pictures shared by his father on-line for the reason that struggle, he was typically pictured in a wheelchair.
His mother and father filed a lawsuit searching for greater than $50m (£37m) in damages towards the ringside physician and promoters linked with the struggle. That lawsuit stays unsettled.
