ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Former boxer Prichard Colón has died at age 33 - 11 years after being struck by an illegal head blow during his only pro defeat.
Representatives of Brooks, where Colón received speech, occupational and physical therapy for years beginning in March 2018, reached out to Action News Jax to share the sad news.
Colón’s father had posted about his son’s death on Facebook on Thursday.
“I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” Richard Colón said.
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After his birth in Maitland, Prichard moved with his family to Puerto Rico, where he grew up. An honorary WBC World Champion, he was a gold medal winner at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.
During a 2015 match with Terrel Williams, Colon was repeatedly struck in the back of the head and later collapsed in his dressing room.
He remained in a coma for months due to hemorrhaging in his brain. In 2018, he began outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy with Brooks Rehabilitation, where he made slow but steady improvements.
A representative shared, “All of us at Brooks Rehabilitation were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prichard Colon. His courage, strength and perseverance inspired so many people far beyond the boxing community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones and everyone who followed and supported him throughout his life.”
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