Prichard Colón, boxer who sustained brain damage in the ring, dies at 33
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón has died at age 33, 11 years after sustaining brain damage in his only professional loss.
- Colón suffered a brain bleed in a 2015 fight against Terrel Williams due to severe illegal blows to the back of the head, leading to irreversible neurological damage.
- The World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) honored Colón for his resilience, faith, and fighting spirit, with the WBC naming him an honorary world champion.
- The incident prompted the WBC to reinforce safety regulations and implement stricter medical protocols in boxing.
- Prior to the injury, Colón had an undefeated streak of 16 wins, including 13 knockouts, and lost the fight by disqualification after his cornermen removed his gloves post-round 10.
