Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon Dies Aged 33 After 11-Year Coma

Former boxer Prichard Colon has died at 33, more than a decade after a controversial fight left him with a life-changing brain injury.

Colon’s father, Richard, announced his son’s death on Facebook on Thursday, thanking supporters for years of love and prayers.

“Good morning, my people,” Colon’s father Richard wrote on Facebook. “I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world.

“I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as much as he desired, but couldn’t. “Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”

Colon entered his 2015 bout with Terrel Williams unbeaten at 16-0, including 13 knockouts. During the fight, he appeared to suffer several blows to the back of the head, which are illegal in boxing. He complained to the referee, but the contest continued.

Colon was later knocked down in the ninth round. A misunderstanding followed, with his corner removing his gloves because they believed the fight had ended. Officials instead disqualified Colon.

He was taken to hospital after vomiting and collapsing in the changing room. Doctors diagnosed him with a subdural haematoma, requiring emergency surgery to reduce swelling and remove the blood clot.

Colon then spent 221 days in a coma. After waking, he remained in a vegetative state and needed computer assistance to communicate. His family cared for him until his death.

Before the tragedy, Prichard Colon had built a promising career. He won national amateur titles at 141 and 152 pounds before competing at the 2012 Brazil Pre-Olympics, where he missed out on qualification for the London Games.

He turned professional that year and won 16 consecutive fights before the Williams bout became his only career defeat.

What should boxing authorities do to improve fighter safety and prevent similar tragedies?