Puerto Rican boxing phenom Prichard Colón, who was once considered a boxer to watch out for, has passed on at the age of 33. This information has been confirmed by his dad Richard Colón in a post he made on Facebook.
“Good morning my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world, NOW HE IS in a better world,”
Richard wrote.
“I did everything possible 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 so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Colón was born on September 19, 1992, in Maitland, Florida, but soon after that he moved to Puerto Rico and started training at the Albergue Olímpico in Orocovis. He became champion at the Pan American Youth Championship in 2010 and became professional in 2013. By October 2015, he had become undefeated with a record of 16-0, including 13 KOs, a promising super welterweight boxer nicknamed “Digget.”
On October 17, 2015, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, Colón fought against Terrel Williams. In the beginning of the fight Colón dominated. However, then he started giving his opponent numerous illegal blows to the back of the head (rabbit punches).
Colón complained to referee Joe Cooper. Williams was deducted a point. Colón told ringside doctor Richard Ashby he felt dizzy but was cleared to continue. In the ninth round Williams scored two knockdowns. After the round Colón’s corner removed his gloves, believing the fight was over, and he was disqualified.
In the dressing room Colón vomited, grew incoherent, and collapsed. Rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital, he was diagnosed with a large left-sided subdural hematoma. Surgeons performed an emergency hemicraniectomy. He spent 221 days in a coma.
Colón never really recovered. He lived in a persistent vegetative state unable to walk and communicate on his own though in some time later his parents stated that he showed some signs of response and could even communicate with help of computers. They cared for him constantly for more than 10 years in Florida.
In 2017 the family of the boxer sued the ringside doctor as well as promoters in court asking for more than $50 million, claiming negligent care and continuing the fight despite injuries. Promoters were later released from the case, and there is no information about the final decision of the court. In Virginia regulators said that nothing could be blamed solely. It is only the allegations.
The WBC awarded Colón the status of honorary world champion and gave him a belt for his bravery. Moreover, the organization made the “Prichard Colón Rule” which states that there should be no tolerance for rabbit punches.
Some boxing organizations including the WBO, WBC, and WBA expressed respect for Colón considering him a boxer-warrior as well as for the devotion of his family.
