Prichard Colón, boxer left paralyzed after fight, dies at 33

Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33. He had been confined to a wheelchair for over ten years after suffering severe, irreversible brain damage during a fight in 2015.

Colón's father, Richard Colón, announced his son's passing on social media, stating, "Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place." He expressed gratitude for the years of support and prayers from fans.

The boxer sustained his injuries on October 17, 2015, during a bout against Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia. Colón received illegal blows to the back of his head, known as "rabbit punches," which led to a subdural hematoma and irreversible brain damage. The case garnered global attention.

Before the fight, Colón was undefeated with a record of 16 wins and 12 knockouts. He was knocked down twice in the eighth round by Williams, who had also been hit with a low blow by Colón earlier in the round. Colón fell into a coma at the Shepherd Institute Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, following the illegal blows.

His mother, Nieves Meléndez, provided 24-hour care for him, seeking improvement through therapies. In recognition of his case, the World Boxing Council (WBC) created the 'Prichard Colón' rule a year after the incident. Colón was also named an honorary WBC champion, fulfilling a lifelong dream.