Colon passed away on 13/8, following more than a decade living with the severe brain injury sustained in a 2015 fight.

"Good morning everyone. I regret to inform you that my son Prichard has left this earthly world. He has now gone to a better world", Prichard's father, Richard Colon, wrote on Facebook.

Richard stated he tried to fulfill his son's wish to be laid to rest in his homeland of Puerto Rico, and thanked everyone for years of love and prayers for Prichard.

The WBO posted a message of condolence after former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon died at 33.

On october 17, 2015, Colon faced Terrel Williams in a fight in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. At the time, the Puerto Rican boxer was undefeated with a 16-0 record, including 13 knock-out victories, and was considered a promising talent.

Colon started well and was believed to be dominant in the first five rounds. However, throughout the match, Williams repeatedly landed punches to the back of Colon's head, commonly known as "rabbit punches" – an illegal move in boxing.

Colon complained multiple times to referee Joe Cooper about these punches. However, the referee did not stop the fight, instead instructing him to handle the situation himself.

Prichard Colon (right) takes a punch from Terrel Williams during their fight in Fairfax, Virginia, USA on october 17, 2015. Photo: Premier Boxing Champions

Prichard Colon (right) takes a punch from Terrel Williams during their fight in Fairfax, Virginia, USA on october 17, 2015. Photo: Premier Boxing Champions

After numerous blows to the back of his head, Colon fell for the first time in his professional career in round nine. Between rounds, he told doctor Richard Ashby that he felt dizzy but could continue fighting. The doctor agreed, and the match resumed.

The fight ended after round nine when Colon was disqualified. His team mistakenly believed the fight was over and removed his gloves. Afterward, they noticed Colon was disoriented and dizzy.

Colon's mother had to help her son to the locker room. There, he vomited and then collapsed. Colon was transported by ambulance to Inova Fairfax Hospital. Doctors discovered he had a subdural hematoma on the left side of his brain, causing severe compression.

Colon underwent immediate craniotomy surgery to relieve pressure and remove the blood clot. Following the surgery, he fell into a coma that lasted 221 days.

The Puerto Rican boxer received treatment for several weeks in Virginia before being transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He was then moved to his mother's home in Orlando, Florida, for continued care.

From a promising young boxer, Colon became someone requiring constant care. By 2017, he remained in a persistent vegetative state and could not perform daily activities independently.

Colon's mother, Nieves Melendez, cared for her son 24 hours a day and sought various therapies hoping his condition would improve. In 2018, she posted a video showing her son doing physical therapy and responding to verbal commands. She also mentioned he was learning to communicate via computer. However, Colon never regained his ability to speak.

In 2017, Colon's parents sued doctor Richard Ashby and the fight promoters, seeking over 50 million USD in compensation. The family argued the fight should have been stopped when Colon showed signs of dizziness and injury, accusing those involved of failing to fully protect the boxer. The lawsuit lasted years but was never brought to trial.

Williams, his opponent in the fateful match, did not return to professional boxing afterward. In a 2017 interview, Williams said he prayed for Colon daily and maintained he never intended to cause severe harm to his opponent.

One year after the incident, the World Boxing Council (WBC) issued a rule named "Prichard Colon", aimed at enhancing boxer protection against dangerous punches to the back of the head.

Colon's story also earned him recognition within the international boxing community. in june 2021, the WBC awarded him an honorary championship title, along with the green and gold belt Colon had dreamed of owning since his early days in boxing.

After more than a decade living with the aftermath of the fight, Colon died on 13/8, at just 33 years old. His passing received tributes from three of the world's largest boxing organizations, concluding the tragic story of a young talent whose career and life were completely altered after one match.

"A warrior until his last breath", the WBO wrote in its condolence message. The organization stated the boxing family mourned the loss of Colon, described as possessing "courage, strength, and a fighting spirit that extended beyond the ring". The WBO emphasized Colon's biggest battle became a testament to his family's unwavering resilience and love.

The WBC also posted a memorial message, calling Colon "a true warrior" whose strength, courage, and fighting spirit inspired people worldwide. The WBC extended its deepest condolences to Colon's mother, Nieves, his family, and loved ones.

Hong Duy compiled