14.08.2026 00:30
Puerto Rican former undefeated boxer Prichard Colón, who became a symbol of one of the most tragic and heartbreaking events in boxing history, has passed away at the age of 33. The young champion, who suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2015 due to illegal blows received in the ring and, after spending months in a coma, lived the rest of his life confined to a bed and wheelchair, lost his final battle after 11 years of miraculous resistance.
Prichard Colón, the former undefeated Puerto Rican boxer and hero of one of the most tragic stories in boxing history, lost his life at the age of 33 after years of struggle that began with severe blows he received in the ring in 2015. The champion boxer, who had lived dependent on a wheelchair and bed for years and was cared for with great devotion by his family, deeply mourned the sports world with his passing.
THE FIGHT THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE
Prichard Colón, who maintained his undefeated title by winning all 16 professional fights until October 2015, faced his American opponent Terrel Williams. The young boxer, who repeatedly complained to referee Joe Cooper about the illegal "rabbit punches" thrown to the back of his head by his opponent, continued the fight. Colón, who was knocked down twice during the match, was disqualified after the ninth round when his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, suffering the first and only defeat of his career.
HE SUFFERED A BRAIN HEMORRHAGE
However, the real disaster occurred immediately after the fight. Colón, who collapsed in the locker room complaining of dizziness and vomiting, was rushed to the hospital. Examinations revealed that the boxer had suffered a brain hemorrhage, and he was urgently operated on to reduce swelling in his brain and remove the hematoma. Colón remained in a coma for a full 221 days and was discharged in May 2016, but he could never walk again and never regained his ability to speak.
HE BECAME IN NEED OF 24-HOUR CARE
The champion, who became dependent on 24-hour uninterrupted care and medical support due to permanent brain damage, was cared for by his mother Nieves and his family with great love and sacrifice for years.
In 2017, the Colón family initiated a legal battle demanding more than $50 million in compensation, citing negligence by ringside doctors and promoters. However, the court ruled that the co-promoters were not responsible for appointing and supervising medical personnel or ring officials, and removed these institutions from the case. This legal process failed to reach a final resolution in subsequent years either.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES POURED IN FROM INSTITUTIONS
Years after the injuries that changed his life in the ring and following the loss of his last fight, leading institutions of the boxing world conveyed their condolences for Prichard Colón with messages:
WBO (World Boxing Organization):
"A fighter until the end... The WBO family is deeply saddened by the passing of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit transcended the ring. His greatest battle was a testament to his perseverance and the unwavering love of his family. Rest in peace, champion."
WBC (World Boxing Council):
"Today, we deeply mourn the passing of Prichard Colón. A true warrior who inspired people around the world with his strength, courage, and fighting spirit. As the WBC family, we extend our deepest condolences to his mother Nieves, his family, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Champion."
WBA (World Boxing Association):
"We are saddened by the passing of Prichard Colón. A true warrior in every sense of the word, Prichard left us profound lessons about life, perseverance, and our sport. The entire boxing community is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking and significant loss. Rest in peace, champion."