San Juan: Puerto Rican former professional boxer Prichard Colon, once regarded as one of boxing’s rising stars, has died at the age of 33 after years of severe neurological complications stemming from a 2015 bout.
Colon suffered a devastating brain injury during his fight against American boxer Terrel Williams in October 2015. He was rushed to hospital after his condition deteriorated and underwent emergency surgery.
Following the injury, Colon remained in a coma for an extended period. After eventually regaining consciousness, the extent of the neurological damage became apparent, leaving him dependent on continuous care for the remainder of his life.
His father, Richard Colon, announced his son’s death in a Facebook post, expressing deep sorrow while saying that Prichard was now in a better place.
Colon spent the final years of his life with his family in Florida, where he died.
But before the fateful match, Colon had already become one of the most talented young boxers in the sport. Colon went into the October 2015 match unbeaten, with 16 professional wins under his belt, and 13 of those being knockouts.
However, Colon’s promising career and personal life were brought to an abrupt halt with the brain injury he sustained during the Williams fight. Colon’s case has also shone light on the dangers of boxing and the need to protect boxers from the dangers of head injuries.
The boxer’s death has been a blow for his loved ones, as they mourn the loss of a fighter with such a promising career.
