ALBAWABA - Former boxer Prichard Colon died at the age of 33, eleven years after suffering life-altering brain injuries in the fight.
The Puerto Rican was a rising talent in the sport until he was left comatose for 221 days after a fight with US boxer Terrel Williams in 2015.
Williams won the super-welterweight match in October 2015 via disqualification in the ninth round after Colon's crew withdrew his gloves, citing dizziness.
During the bout, Prichard Colon claimed that Williams had repeatedly punched him on the back of the head, an illegal punch in boxing known as "rabbit punches."
Following a complaint about one of Williams' blows, the bout's referee awarded Colon one point as punishment.
Prichard Colon fell upon returning to his dressing room, was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, and underwent emergency brain surgery, which left him comatose.
After waking up from the coma, the entire amount of Colon's neurological damage was revealed, and he required round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.
His father, Richard Colon, confirmed his son's death late Thursday on Facebook: "I regret to notify you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world. Now he lives in a better world.
Prichard Colon, who died while at home with his family in Florida, had an unbeaten boxing career of 16 matches, 13 of which were by knockout, before facing Williams.
The match in Fairfax, Virginia, has long sparked concerns about the sport's safety.
Williams, who was a star in the sport at the time with a 15-0 record and 12 knockouts, fought again in 2017 and 2019 but said the events that followed his fight with Colon had an impact on his life and career.
"My heart and stomach fell. I pray for him several times a day to make a complete recovery. I am unable to savor this win. "I'm worried about Prichard," Williams, 31, told The Los Angeles Times shortly after the battle.
