A Fight That Stole Everything: The Tragic Story Of Prichard Colon

Former boxer Pritchard Colon has passed away at the age of 33, 11 years after suffering a serious brain injury during a fight. Colon's death is one of immense sadness for his loved ones, but also highlights the tragic reality of combat sports. Colon, who was born in Florida but moved to Puerto Rico at the age of 10, turned professional in 2013 after failing to qualify for the Olympics a year prior. Colon registered 13 wins in his first 16 fights and was undefeated heading into his fight with Terrell Williams in Virginia on October 17, 2015. During the light middleweight contest, Colon appeared to be struck in the back of the head on multiple occasions, for which Williams received a one-point deduction. Colon was docked two points for a low blow and was later knocked down in the ninth. In thinking the fight was over, his corner took his gloves off, which led to him being disqualified. After entering the changing room after the fight, Colon collapsed with the fighter suffering a brain hemorrhage. Following an operation to reduce swelling in the brain, Colon was placed into a coma for 221 days before living the rest of his life in a vegetative state. Colon's parents filed a lawsuit seeking over $50 million in damages against the ringside doctor and the promoters of the fight. However, it remains unsettled.