Former super welterweight boxer Prichard Colon has died aged 33, 11 years after suffering a severe brain injury during a fight in Virginia.
His father, Richard Colon, confirmed the death on Facebook, ending a decade of medical care following the Puerto Rican fighter's October 2015 contest against Terrel Williams.
Colon, who was 23 years old at the time of the bout, collapsed in his dressing room after the match. He suffered a brain haemorrhage and was rushed to hospital, where emergency surgery left him in a coma for 221 days.
Following the coma, Colon spent the rest of his life in a vegetative state, unable to walk and requiring 24-hour care. A vegetative state is a medical condition in which a patient is awake but shows no signs of awareness.
Fateful Virginia Fight
Before facing Williams, Colon was undefeated in 16 professional fights. He competed in the super welterweight division, a weight class in professional boxing for fighters competing up to 154 pounds.
During the contest, Colon was disqualified after removing his gloves at the end of round nine. His condition deteriorated rapidly before he was rushed to hospital.
Father's Statement
Writing on Facebook, his father Richard shared news of his son's passing and thanked supporters for their prayers over the years.
"Good morning, my people. I'm sorry to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world," Richard wrote. "He is now in a better world. I did everything I could to fulfil his desire and his dream of bringing him to Puerto Rico on holiday, as he wanted, but it couldn't happen. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. Please keep us in your prayers as much as you can."
World Boxing Organization Tribute
Tributes were paid across the boxing community, including from the World Boxing Organization, one of the primary sanctioning bodies in professional sport.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the organisation paid tribute to Colon's resilience and family support.
"The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength and fighting spirit transcended the ring," the organisation wrote. "His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family."
