Prichard Colon has died aged 33, 11 years after suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Colon’s father Richard announced the heartbreaking news on Friday.
The boxer fell into a coma after one of the most scandalous fights in recent memory where he was repeatedly punched to the back of his head during a bout with American Terrel Williams.
The fight changed Colon’s life forever. The Puerto Rican was allowed to continue despite the undefeated super welterweight showing clear signs of distress and repeatedly reaching to touch the back of his head.
It is one of many reasons why Richard Colon’s Facebook post has devastated the boxing world.
“Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” he wrote on Facebook, translated from Spanish.
“Now he is in a better world. I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation on Puerto Rico as much as he desired, but couldn’t.
You can watch the tragic incident in the video player above.
“Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Prichard Colon, who went into the bout against Williams with a perfect 16-0 record with 13 knockout victories, repeatedly attempted to inform the referee about the illegal punches Williams was throwing to the back of his head.
While Williams wasn’t docked a point for the early illegal hits, Colon was hit with a two-point penalty for a low blow on his opponent.
Williams did eventualy receive a point penalty for a strike to the back of the head.
Most tragically, the fight was not stopped on medical grounds by the ringside doctor, despite the fighter himself complaining about dizziness and pain at the back of his head.
The doctor’s actions during that fight in EagleBank Arena in Virginia, United States, remain an unresolved legal matter.
Colon’s family have an open $50 million medical malpractice lawsuit against the medical official who allowed the fight to continue.
After repeated blows to the back of the head, Colon hit the canvas in the ninth round, and his team removed his gloves while he was down thinking the fight was over. It, in fact, wasn’t and Colon was disqualified.
A much more serious situation occurred when he needed help getting to the locker room, Fox News’ Scott Thompson reported.
He vomited and collapsed, immediately leading to his team getting him to the hospital.
Colon was diagnosed with a subdural haematoma, and he underwent an emergency procedure to reduce brain swelling.
As a result, Colon fell into a coma that lasted 221 days. Upon waking up, he was in a vegetative state, unable to speak without using a computer.
Colon needed to be cared for by his family up until his death.
Colon finished his boxing career as an honorary WBC World Champion and a gold medal winner at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship in the 64kg weight class.
In a tragic, tell-all story covered by ESPN in 2016, Colon’s parents, dad Richard and mother Nieves Colon, said at the time they hoped their son would wake up from his coma.
“I still have that hope because I believe in God,” she said through tears.
“I believe in my son also. And I think my son, one day he can wake up, but we don’t know when. That’s my dream. My hope. My faith to see God put his hands over my son again, he can wake up.”
Richard Colon said in the interview: “The doctors don’t give us hope. They show a mark on the CT scan. A black spot that is too large for recovery.
“I do believe in miracles.”
World Boxing Organisation (WBO) president Gustavo Olivieri also posted an emotional message on social media on Friday.
“It is with profound sorrow that the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has received the news of the passing of Prichard Colon, shared today by his father through social media,” he posted on X.
“On behalf of our organisation and the entire WBO family, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his parents, family, and loved ones during this time of immeasurable loss.
“Prichard’s life was defined by courage, perseverance, and an extraordinary fighting spirit. 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 Colón. Your memory will forever remain with us.”
It has not yet been made official that Colon died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the ring against Williams.