Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón was one of boxing’s highly rated young prospects before a 2015 bout ended his career.
Colón was born in Maitland, Florida, and moved to Puerto Rico with his family when he was 10. He developed his boxing skills there and built an impressive amateur record of 170 wins from 185 bouts.
He became a five-time national champion and won gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championships in the 64kg division. He later moved into professional boxing in 2013.
His Professional Career
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Colón made his professional debut on February 23, 2013, stopping Xavier LaSalle in the first round.
He continued his unbeaten run against Patrick Thomas, Jorge Burgos, Juan Santos Rodriguez, Jonathan García, Víctor Moya, José Vidal Soto, Shad Howard, Javier García and Carlos García Hernández.
He also defeated Lenwood Dozier, Christopher Degollado and Héctor Muñoz on points before returning to stoppage victories against Daniel Calzada and Michael Finney.
His biggest professional win came on September 11, 2015, when he stopped former world champion Vivian Harris in the fourth round.
Colón entered his next fight with a perfect 16-0 record, including 13 knockouts.
16 wins. 13 knockouts. One promising career still ahead of him.
He had not yet won a recognised senior professional world title. His major championship achievements came during his amateur career. The World Boxing Council later honoured him as an honorary champion.
The Fight Against Terrel Williams
The fight became the final bout of his professional career. Colón was repeatedly struck by illegal blows to the back of the head during the contest.
After nine rounds, Colón’s corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the fight had ended. He was subsequently disqualified. Soon afterwards, he became seriously ill and was taken to hospital.
Doctors diagnosed him with a severe brain injury, including a subdural haematoma. He underwent emergency surgery and spent 221 days in a coma.
11 Years Away From Boxing
Colón never returned to professional boxing.
Following the injury, he required extensive care and assistance. His family, particularly his mother, remained involved in his care for years.
His parents later pursued a $50 million lawsuit connected to the circumstances surrounding the fight. The case remained unresolved in public reporting.
In 2021, the WBC honoured Colón as an honorary champion, recognising his journey after the injury.
Prichard Colón Dies at 33
Nearly 11 years after the fight that ended his career, Prichard Colón died on August 13, 2026, aged 33.
His father, Richard Colón, announced his death. Tributes followed from boxing organisations and members of the boxing community.
Reports confirming his death have not publicly established a separate cause of death beyond his long-term medical history following the 2015 brain injury.
Colón’s professional career ultimately ended with 16 victories, 13 knockouts and one defeat.
