Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33 after years of disability

Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón Meléndez died Thursday at 33, nearly eleven years after a fight irrevocably altered his life. His family has not disclosed the cause of death, but he never overcame the consequences of the bout that destroyed his career and his health.

Colón's father, Richard Colón, announced his son's passing, stating he could not fulfill his wish to return to Puerto Rico for a vacation. The boxer died in Florida.

The tragic turn of events began on October 17, 2015, in Fairfax, Virginia. Colón, then 23 and undefeated, faced Terrel Williams. The fight, intended to showcase two prospects, devolved into a disturbing episode in contemporary boxing.

From early rounds, Colón repeatedly signaled he was receiving illegal blows to the back of his head. In the seventh round, a punch from Williams to the back of Colón's head and neck sent him to the canvas. The referee penalized Williams, but the situation worsened when Colón reported dizziness and neck pain. The ringside doctor, Richard Ashby, examined him. Despite Colón's complaints, the doctor cleared him to continue. Less than five minutes later, he was hit again. Williams knocked him down twice in the ninth round. As the bell rang, Colón's corner began removing his gloves, believing the fight was over. Due to the time constraints, Colón was disqualified.

After the fight, Colón collapsed in the locker room, vomiting and losing consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a large subdural hematoma. An emergency surgery followed, but he remained in a coma for 221 days, suffering permanent neurological damage that required constant care and assistance. A state investigation found no single individual to blame, though a neurologist later stated the fight should have been stopped in the seventh round.