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Prichard Colon, the former boxer who fell into a coma in 2015 following a controversial match, has died. He was 33.
The news was shared by Colon’s father, Richard, on Thursday, announcing the heartbreaking news about his son.
“Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world,” he wrote on Facebook, translated from Spanish. “Now he is in a better world.
“I did everything possible to fulfill his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation on Puerto Rico as much as he desired, but couldn’t. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers.”
Colon was one of boxing’s rising stars in 2015, owning a 16-0 record with 13 knockouts to his name ahead of his fight against Terrel Williams.
BOXER PRICHARD COLÓN TAKEN OFF SEDATIVES, FAMILY PRAYS HE WAKES FROM COMA
But during that bout, Colon was repeatedly hit in the back of the head by illegal punches. He tried telling the referee about it, but the fight continued on.
While Williams wasn’t docked for the illegal hits, Colon was hit with a two-point penalty for a low blow on his opponent.
In the end, Colon hit the canvas in the ninth round, and his team removed his gloves while he was down thinking the fight was over. It, in fact, wasn’t and Colon was disqualified.
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However, a more serious situation occurred when he needed help getting to the locker room. He vomited and collapsed, immediately leading to his team getting him to the hospital.
Colon was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, and he underwent an emergency procedure to reduce brain swelling.
As a result, Colon fell into a coma that lasted 221 days. Upon waking up, he was in a vegetative state, unable to speak without using a computer.
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Colon needed to be cared for by his family up until his death.
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Colon finished his boxing career as an honorary WBC World Champion and a gold medal winner at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship in the 64 kilogram weight class.
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