Former Puerto Rican professional boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after suffering a devastating brain injury during a 2015 fight that ended his promising career.

Colón’s death was confirmed by his father, Richard Colón, on August 13, 2026. Tributes have since poured in from across the boxing community.

Colón was just 23 when he faced Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia, in October 2015. During the bout, he suffered repeated blows to the back of the head, which are prohibited in boxing.

After the fight, Colón became dizzy, vomited and collapsed in his dressing room. Doctors diagnosed him with a serious brain haemorrhage and performed emergency surgery. He subsequently spent 221 days in a coma and was left with severe, life-changing neurological disabilities.

Before the tragedy, Colón was regarded as one of boxing’s rising prospects. He entered the fight unbeaten with a professional record of 16 wins, including 13 victories by knockout. The bout against Williams became the only defeat of his professional career.

His condition required years of intensive care and rehabilitation, with his family remaining at his side throughout his long struggle. His story became a powerful reminder of the dangers of boxing and the potentially devastating consequences of head trauma.

The exact cause of Colón’s death has not been publicly disclosed. The World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization were among the bodies to acknowledge his passing and honour his legacy.

Colón’s death has renewed conversations about fighter safety, medical supervision and the enforcement of rules designed to protect boxers from dangerous blows.

He was 33.