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Born Prichard Colón Meléndez on September 19, 1992, in Maitland, Florida, he was raised in Orocovis, Puerto Rico. He built an outstanding amateur record (around 170-15), won multiple national titles, and claimed gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championships in the 64 kg division. Turning professional in 2013, he compiled a perfect 16-0 record with 13 knockouts as a rising super welterweight prospect before his only professional defeat.
On October 17, 2015, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, the then-23-year-old Colón faced Terrel Williams. During the bout, Williams landed repeated illegal punches to the back of Colón’s head (known as rabbit punches). Colón complained to the referee about the fouls; Williams was deducted a point. Colón was knocked down in the later rounds and appeared disoriented. After the ninth round, his corner removed his gloves believing the fight was over, resulting in a disqualification loss.
Colón later collapsed in the dressing room, vomiting and losing consciousness. Doctors diagnosed a large left-sided subdural hematoma (bleeding between the brain and its outer covering). He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain and spent 221 days in a coma. He never fully recovered, remaining in a persistent vegetative state—unable to walk or speak normally—and required constant care from his family, primarily in Florida. He communicated to a limited extent via computer in later years and underwent ongoing therapy. The World Boxing Council later named him an honorary world champion and cited the incident in strengthening rules against blows to the back of the head.
Terrel Williams, who improved his record that night, faced limited formal sporting penalties beyond the point deduction in the fight. He took roughly two years away from the ring, returned for a handful of bouts, and retired after a 2019 decision loss (finishing with a record of approximately 18-1). He expressed immediate concern and later said he prayed for Colón daily, stating the events changed his life and that he never intended permanent harm. Williams has largely stayed out of the public eye since retiring and has faced ongoing criticism and online backlash related to the fight. No criminal charges were filed against him. Colón’s family pursued a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit primarily focused on medical and promotional oversight rather than Williams personally.
Colón’s death was announced by his father, Richard Colón, who noted that his son was now “in a better world” and thanked supporters for years of prayers while asking for continued prayers for the family. The exact immediate medical cause was not publicly detailed, but it followed 11 years of living with the irreversible neurological damage and complications stemming from the 2015 subdural hematoma and related brain injury.
Prichard Colón’s story remains a sobering reminder of boxing’s risks and the lasting impact one night can have on a fighter, his family, and the sport’s safety standards.
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A prayer for Prichard and his family
Heavenly Father, we entrust the soul of Your servant Prichard Colón into Your merciful hands. Grant him eternal rest and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Comfort his grieving family—especially his parents Richard and Nieves and all who loved him—in this time of profound loss. Strengthen them with Your presence, fill their hearts with hope, and surround them with the support of community and faith. May Prichard’s courage and the love that sustained him through years of suffering continue to inspire. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
Rest in peace, champion.
