Former Boxer Dies At 33 More Than A Decade After Career-Ending Brain Injury

Former professional boxer Prichard Colón passed away nearly eleven years after he suffered a career-ending injury due to head trauma.

Colón, 33, was pronounced dead by his father via a Facebook post Thursday afternoon after the boxer spent the last ten years of his life in a vegetative state that required 24-hour assistance following multiple illegal blows to the back of the head and neck area in what would be his final fight.

Colón was one of the most hyped up boxing prospects in 2015, starting his professional career 16-0, with 13 of his wins coming by knockout. He held an amateur record of 170-15. His last bout came against Terrel Williams in October of that year.

In the Puerto Rican’s fight against Williams, he suffered his first and only loss after being disqualified in the ninth round because his team took his gloves off, thinking the fight was over. Before what would be the final round of his career, Colón was illegally struck in the back of the head multiple times.

When they returned to the locker room, Colón threw up and collapsed before his team rushed him to the hospital. He spent the next 221 days in a coma before waking up in a vegetative state that he would remain in for the rest of his life.

The illegal strikes from Williams were known as “rabbit punches” and have been illegal in the sport for decades to keep boxers safe. Williams received a warning during the fight and faced no punishment or suspension for the illegal blows that left Colon in a vegetative state. 

The story quickly gained international attention. ESPN’s documentary “How one fight changed Prichard Colón’s life” told the world how the former boxer’s dreams were shattered by Williams’ illegal punches. 

The World Boxing Organization took to X to express its deepest condolences to Colón and his family during their time of grieving.

A warrior until the very end.

The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit transcended the ring. His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family.

Rest in peace, champion. pic.twitter.com/gBbBVVlOXN

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 13, 2026