World boxing descends into mourning at the sad news of Prichard Colón's passing

World boxing mourns the passing of eternal champion Prichard Colón

On August 13, 2026, Colón’s father and former trainer, Richard Colón, announced the sorrowful news that his beloved son Prichard passed away that morning.

Born on September 19, 1992, in Orlando, Florida, Prichard "Digget" Colón emerged as one of the most dazzling prospects in Caribbean boxing.

Blessed with prodigious technical talent, overflowing charisma, and formidable power, he conquered multiple national amateur championships and a Youth Pan American gold medal before turning professional, where he built an impressive record of 16 wins with 13 knockouts.

He ended his amateur career with an incredible record of 170-15.

Prichard didn’t just fight with skill; he fought with the elegance and pride of carrying Puerto Rico’s flag to the greatest heights.

On October 17, 2015, a fateful night in Fairfax, Virginia, Prichard’s life changed forever after suffering several blows to the back of the head during his bout with with Terrel Williams, which later caused a brain haemorrhage and irreversible neurological damage.

Colón collapsed in the dressing room and remained in a coma for 221 days. He was then in a persistent vegetative state and unable to speak but was eventually released from the hospital, receiving physiotherapy and the use of a computer for speech until his untimely death this week.

The WBC released a statement in honour of their champion: "With an heavy heart and immense sadness enveloping the entire international boxing community, the World Boxing Council and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, mourn the passing of former boxer and icon of bravery, Prichard Colón Meléndez.

"Today is a day of mourning for Puerto Rico, for the WBC family, and above all, for the Colón family, whose unconditional love was the pillar of one of the most moving and outstandingly brave battles for life the world has ever witnessed.

"Though destiny abruptly snatched away his opportunity to be crowned champion inside the ring, Prichard instantly began the most important fight of all: the fight for survival. Supported every step of the way by the superhuman dedication and tireless love of his parents, Nieves and Richard Colón, the “Champion of the Heart” became a global symbol of resilience, faith, and dignity.

"Since that tragic day, the WBC and the global boxing family pledged never to let go of Prichard’s hand or that of his loved ones. In recognition of his indomitable spirit and his family’s relentless fight, the WBC named him Honorary World Champion, presenting him with the iconic Green and Gold belt he always deserved.

"Prichard’s tragic accident was not in vain: it inspired the WBC to categorically reinforce safety regulations, driving zero tolerance for blows to the back of the head (rabbit punches) and implementing stricter medical protocols to protect the integrity of all fighters around the globe.

"President Mauricio Sulaimán, the Board of Governors, and the entire World Boxing Council family extend their deepest condolences, prayers, and a heartfelt embrace to his parents, family, and the heroic people of Puerto Rico during this time of immeasurable grief.

"Prichard Colón suffers no more; as today he has hung up his earthly gloves to rest in eternal peace and strap on the immortal crown reserved for true warriors.

"Rest in peace, dear Prichard. Your legacy and your smile will live forever, in our hearts."

Boxing News also paid tribute: "We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prichard Colón at the age of 33. The Puerto Rican warrior suffered a subdural hematoma following his 2015 bout with Terrel Williams. Colón spent 221 days in a coma. After awakening, he was cared for by his family for the rest of his life.

"Our thoughts go out to Colón's loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, champ."

Everyone at Global Boxing News are deeply saddened to hear of Prichard's passing and would like to send sincere condolences to all the family and friends at this terrible time. Rest in peace champ.