Mourning in boxing: Prichard Colón has died, the boxer whose tragedy changed the rules of the sport

In boxing, some stories transcend the results of a fight and leave a much deeper mark, and Prichard Colón's is one of them. The Puerto Rican, whose career was tragically interrupted after a fight in 2015, died this Thursday at the age of 33, after spending more than a decade with severe consequences from that night.

The news was confirmed by his father on Facebook: "Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of my son Prichard's departure from this earthly world. He is now in a better place". He then thanked everyone for their support: "Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers".

The story that turned Colón into an emblematic figure in boxing began on October 17, 2015. At that time, he was 23 years old, undefeated as a professional with 16 victories, and faced American Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia.

During the fight, Colón received repeated illegal blows to the back of the head, known as "rabbit punches". The Puerto Rican had fallen twice in the ninth round and, after being unable to respond to the call for the tenth round, was disqualified.

Shortly after, he began to experience vomiting and a deterioration of his physical condition, which led to him being taken to the hospital, where a subdural hematoma was detected and he had to undergo emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

The injury had irreversible consequences. Colón remained in a coma for 221 days and, upon waking, was left with severe neurological and motor sequelae that prevented him from returning to a normal life. Since then, his mother, Nieves Meléndez, dedicated herself to caring for him and accompanying him through years of treatments and therapies, while the family periodically shared his progress.

The impact of the case was such that the World Boxing Council (WBC) created the so-called "Prichard Colón Rule" in 2016, aimed at strengthening control over blows directed to the back of the head and neck. The regulation provided referees with greater tools to penalize these actions, deduct points, or even disqualify boxers who commit them.

For its part, the family also received recognition from the organization. In 2021, the WBC honored Colón as an honorary world champion, a way to pay tribute to his career and, above all, his struggle during the years following that fight. "A true warrior whose strength, courage, and fighting spirit inspired people around the world", the organization published after confirming the Puerto Rican's passing.

Although Colón did not win a world title during his professional career, his name became associated with one of the most painful and significant stories in recent boxing history.