Boxer Prichard Colon, 33, dies over a decade on from brain injury in ring as tributes pour in

Prichard Colon, a Puerto Rican boxer who suffered a brain injury during a 2015 fight, has passed away aged 33.

The precocious boxing talent suffered a severe brain haemorrhage during and in the aftermath of his fight with Terrell Williams 11 years ago.

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‘Digget’ was initially rushed for emergency surgery and was placed in a 221-day coma, from which he eventually woke.

However, he was left in a vegetative state, unable to walk and talk, requiring 24-hour care ever since.

Sadly, he has now passed away, with his father, Richard Colon, writing a statement on Facebook.

Colon now in a better world, says father

It read: “Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world.

“Now he is in a better world. I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so desired, but it couldn’t be done.

“Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”

In October 2015, Colon suffered a traumatic brain injury during a ninth-round disqualification defeat to Williams in northern Virginia.

Moments after leaving the ring, Colon collapsed in his dressing room and was rushed to hospital to relieve pressure on his brain.

He had sustained repeated blows to the back of the head during the fight, which led to referee Joe Cooper deducting one point from Williams for rabbit punching in the seventh round.

“He suffered a brain bleed as a result of an injury during the bout and underwent immediate surgery to relieve pressure on his brain,” promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement at the time, adding his condition ‘remains critical.’

Facebook/Prichard colón

It was the first defeat of the Puerto Rican prospect’s career, moving his record to 16-1.

He underwent spinal surgery in February 2016 and was placed in a 221-day coma, diagnosed with a subdural hematoma on the brain.

In 2023, nearly eight years on from the injury, Colon still required 24-hour support to oversee his recovery.

“Where are my supporters, they never give up on me,” he captioned a video in September of the same year, where he was seen interacting with his mother, Nieves.

Unfortunately, Colon never recovered and the entire boxing world has since poured in with emotional tributes to a man celebrated for his endless, determined spirit.

‘A true warrior’

“Prichard’s life was defined by courage, perseverance, and an extraordinary fighting spirit,” WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said.

Facebook/Prichard Colon

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“His story transcended the ring and deeply touched the boxing community, which stood by him throughout the years with respect, admiration, and hope.

“Today, the WBO solemnly joins his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing, supporting, and loving him in mourning his passing.

“We offer our prayers for Prichard’s eternal rest and ask God to grant his family strength, peace, and comfort during this time of profound sorrow.

“Rest in peace, Prichard Colon. Your memory will forever remain with us.”

The WBC said: “A true warrior whose strength, courage, and fighting spirit inspired people around the world.

“The WBC family extends its deepest condolences to his mother, Nieves, his family, and loved ones.

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“Rest in peace, Champion.”

The WBA called Colon a ‘true warrior in every sense of the word’ in its statement.

It read: “Prichard left us with profound lessons about life, resilience, and our sport.

“The entire boxing community mourns this heartbreaking and significant loss.

“Rest in peace, champion.”

Boxers Harlem Eubank, Caleb Plant, Souleymane Cissokho and Arnold Barboza Jr have all since paid tribute to Colon.

Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs said he was ‘heartbroken’ in response to the WBA’s statement.

In May 2017, Colon’s parents filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50million in damages from the ringside doctor and promoters involved with the Williams fight.

The latest update from the lawsuit came in late 2020 when a judge ruled the case must go ahead in Washington DC, where ringside physician Dr Richard Ashby’s business was based at the time.

It remains unsettled to date.