Prichard Colon, born on September 19, 1992, in Maitland, Florida, moved to Puerto Rico with his family at a young age. His passion for boxing was evident early on, as he won numerous national championships in Puerto Rico. Known for his towering height of 6 feet, he earned the nickname “Digget.” His amateur success culminated in a gold medal at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.
Turning professional in 2013, Colon quickly made a name for himself. He won his debut fight against Xavier La Salle in just 25 seconds. Over the next few years, he maintained an impressive record of 16-0, with 13 of those wins coming by knockout. His victories included a significant win against former world champion Vivian Harris, which highlighted his potential to become a world champion himself.
The Tragic Fight of Prichard Colon
On October 17, 2015, Prichard faced Terrel Williams in a fight that would change his life forever. Despite showing promise in the initial rounds, the bout turned brutal with repeated illegal punches to the back of Prichard’s head. These blows, known as rabbit punches, are particularly dangerous. Prichard voiced his distress to the referee, but the fight continued. In the ninth round, after enduring severe head trauma, Prichard collapsed and fell into a coma due to a 1.5 cm brain bleed.
The Road to Recovery
Prichard’s recovery has been a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother, Nieves. After spending 221 days in a coma, he awoke but was left in a vegetative state. Over the years, Prichard has made significant progress. He underwent successful surgery to repair a collapse in his skull and has been responding to physical therapy. Though he has not regained his ability to speak, Prichard communicates through a computer and continues to show signs of improvement .
Prichard Colon Future Prospects and Legacy
The journey ahead for Prichard Colon remains challenging, but his story is one of inspiration and hope. His family has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the ringside doctor and fight promoters, seeking justice and funds for his continuous care. Prichard’s story has also led to changes in boxing regulations, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement against illegal punches.
Prichard’s spirit and determination resonate with many, serving as a powerful reminder of the risks athletes take in their pursuit of greatness. His story continues to inspire, and with the support of his family and the boxing community, there is hope for further recovery