Former boxer Prichard Colón died at age 33, 11 years after suffering life-changing blows to the head during the only loss of his professional career. Colón’s father shared the news via Facebook on Thursday. “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” wrote Richard Colón, adding: “He is now in a better world.” Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers,” he added. Colón was born in Florida but his family moved to Puerto Rico when he was a child. He emerged as a promising young talent, breaking a streak of national amateur championships to win five titles and win a junior Pan American gold medal, all before turning 20. His professional career, which began in 2013, was equally successful. The super welterweight competed in a total of 17 bouts; he won 16 of them and 13 were by knockout. Notably, Colón emerged victorious when he fought former WBA champion Vivian Harris in September 2015, knocking him out in the fourth round, but a month later, Colón competed against Terrel Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, on a night that proved fateful for the rising star, who was 23 years old at the time, suffering injuries, including an illegal blow to the head during his 10-round fight with Williams, fight promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement after the event. The young fighter showed symptoms of head trauma in his dressing room after the fight and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, DiBella said Footage of the fight shared online showed Williams punching Colon in the back of the head in the seventh round, apparently stunning him in his corner. while Williams was penalized for the illegal punch then knocked down twice. He was disqualified after the ninth round, when his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, thinking it was the final round and the fight was complete, according to a Reuters report after the fight. While Colón survived, his injuries forced him to retire in images shared by his father online from the fight. the passing of former boxer and icon of bravery, Prichard Colón Meléndez,” the organization said. “Prichard not only fought with skill; “He fought with the elegance and pride of carrying the Puerto Rican flag to the highest heights,” she added. The WBC previously named Colón an “Honorary World Champion” and awarded him the iconic Green and Gold belt that it said he “always deserved.” The organization also said the Colón tragedy inspired it to “categorically reinforce safety standards, promoting zero tolerance for hits to the back of the head (rabbit punches),” and to implement stricter medical protocols. “Rest in peace, dear Prichard. “Your legacy and your smile will live forever in our hearts,” the WBC said.
