Former professional boxer Prichard Colon has passed away at the age of 33, nearly eleven years after a 2015 match that resulted in severe brain injuries. His father, Richard Colon, shared the news on social media on Thursday, expressing his heartbreak over the loss. Richard Colon wrote a heartfelt message on Facebook, stating, “Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he is in a better world.”

Background of the Controversial Fight

Prichard Colon was originally from Puerto Rico and had established an impressive unbeaten record of 16 wins, 13 of which were by knockout. His career took a tragic turn during a fight against Terrel Williams in October 2015. The bout gained notoriety due to allegations of multiple illegal strikes to the back of Colon’s head. Despite complaints made by Colon regarding these blows, the referee allowed the fight to continue, leading to significant controversy.

Throughout the match, Colon was penalised on two occasions for low blows, adding to the complexities of the event. The situation escalated in the ninth round when Colon was knocked down. In a moment of confusion, members of his corner mistakenly removed his gloves, believing the fight had concluded. As a result, Colon was disqualified from the match, even though the circumstances surrounding the fight were heavily scrutinised.

Following the fight, Colon’s health rapidly declined. He began to vomit and subsequently collapsed in the dressing room, prompting immediate medical attention. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with a subdural haematoma, a critical condition characterised by bleeding around the brain. Emergency surgery was performed to alleviate the pressure caused by swelling and to remove the accumulation of blood.

Colon’s Long Battle After Injury

After the surgery, Prichard Colon was placed in a coma that lasted for 221 days. Although he eventually regained consciousness, the irreversible damage he sustained left him in a vegetative state. This condition severely impacted his ability to communicate verbally, leading him to rely on computer-assisted speech for interaction.

During the remainder of his life, Colon was cared for by his family, who provided constant support and attention. The tragic consequences of the fight have highlighted the serious risks associated with boxing, particularly regarding the potential for life-altering injuries. Colon’s family expressed their gratitude for the love and prayers they received throughout his ordeal.

Prichard Colon’s death marks a lamentable chapter in the sport of boxing, reminding fans and participants alike of the inherent dangers involved. The boxing community has mourned the loss, as Colon’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and regulations within the sport.

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