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The Puerto Rican former boxer Prichard Colón, who had been in a wheelchair for more than ten years after suffering a subdural hematoma that caused irreversible brain damage following a 2015 fight, passed away this Thursday at the age of 33, his father, Richard Colón, confirmed on his social media.
"Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better world," Colón said on his Facebook account.
"I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he wanted so much. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. To the extent that you can, please keep us in your prayers," he added in his post.
The former fighter received several "rabbit punches"—which are illegally thrown at the back of the neck—from Terrel Williams on October 17, 2015, in Fairfax, Virginia (United States), which caused a subdural hematoma that led to irreversible brain damage, a case that caused worldwide shock.
Prichard, who entered the fight undefeated with a 16-0 record and 12 knockouts, was knocked down twice in the eighth round by Williams, who received a low blow from the Puerto Rican before sending him to the canvas.
The Puerto Rican former boxer was in a coma at the Shepherd Center hospital in Atlanta, Georgia (United States), after receiving the illegal blows from Williams.
Since that day, Prichard's life changed radically, with hours and days of anguish and uncertainty that ended with the diagnosis of the dangerous injury.
The athlete's mother, Nieves Meléndez, cared for her son 24 hours a day until the very end, seeking some improvement through therapy.
A year after the unfortunate event, the World Boxing Council (WBC) created the rule dubbed 'Prichard Colón'.
All of this led to Prichard being named an honorary WBC champion, a distinction that carries the possession of a green and gold belt, the one he dreamed of since he started in the world of boxing.
In June 2021, Prichard received the distinction of honorary WBC champion.
[Publicidad]