Former professional boxer Prichard Colon has passed away at the age of 33 after over ten years of an injury that left him with severe brain damage in 2015.
Colon’s injury occurred after a fight with Terrel Williams, which reports say it was “rabbit punches” that connected with the back of an opponent’s head or neck.
He was unable to respond in the tenth round, after collapsing, suffering brain bleeding that put him in a coma for 221 days, the World Boxing Council said. Doctors diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma, with an emergency surgery conducted immediately.
Prichard Colon’s life was supported by his parents and friends who dedicated and showed tireless love to him becoming a global symbol of resilience, faith and dignity.
His father shared the news of Colon’s death, thanking people for their love and prayers for his son, adding he did everything possible to fulfill his wishes and his dreams.
“I regret to inform you the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world; now he is in a better world. I did everything to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as much as he desired but couldn’t…please keep us in your prayers,” Colon’s father said.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has also sent condolences to the family of Colon’s family and the boxing fraternity.
“A warrior until the very end. The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colon, whose courage, strength and fighting spirit transcended the ring…Rest in Peace, Champion,” the WBO wrote.