Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon Melendez has died at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after sustaining severe brain injuries during a super-welterweight bout in Fairfax, Virginia. His father, Richard Colon, announced the passing late Thursday on social media.
Colon suffered a subdural haematoma and was left comatose for 221 days following his October 2015 fight against Terrel Williams, during which he received illegal blows to the back of the head. He collapsed upon returning to his dressing room and underwent emergency brain surgery. Colon, who held an unbeaten record of 16 wins with 13 knockouts, was left with partial paralysis and significant cognitive impairments.
The World Boxing Council named Colon an honorary world champion, awarding him a green and gold belt, and subsequently introduced stricter safety protocols including a zero-tolerance policy on blows to the back of the head.