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Prichard Colón

Prichard Colón Meléndez is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer born in 1992.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Prichard Colón Meléndez is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer born in 1992. He became known for an undefeated early professional record before suffering a severe brain injury during a 2015 bout against Terrel Williams, which ended his boxing career and led to a prolonged coma and long-term disability.

Early life and amateur career

Prichard Colón Meléndez was born in 1992 and competed successfully as an amateur boxer. He won gold at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship before turning professional.

Professional boxing career

Colón built an undefeated professional start and compiled a 16–0 record before his final bout. Sources describe him as a promising welterweight prospect with power and technical skill.

Injury in 2015

On October 17, 2015, Colón fought Terrel Williams and later collapsed in the dressing room. Reports state he suffered a brain hemorrhage/subdural hematoma and underwent emergency treatment, after which his condition became long-term and life-altering.

Life after boxing

Later reports describe Colón as living with major neurological impairment, though some sources note progress with therapy, including limited communication and movement. He remains out of professional boxing.

Key facts

  • Prichard Colón was a highly regarded amateur and professional boxer before his injury.
  • He won a gold medal at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship in the 64 kg category.
  • His professional record is listed as 16 wins and 1 loss across 17 fights.
  • He collapsed after his 2015 fight with Terrel Williams and was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage/subdural hematoma.
  • Reports describe him as having been in a vegetative state for a prolonged period, with later sources noting gradual improvement and rehabilitation.
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Canadian context

Colón fought Terrel Williams at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto earlier in his career, making Canada part of his professional boxing history.[1]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Prichard Colón?
Prichard Colón is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer known for his early undefeated career and for the severe brain injury he suffered in 2015.
What happened to Prichard Colón?
He was seriously injured in a 2015 boxing match against Terrel Williams, collapsed afterward, and was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage/subdural hematoma that caused lasting neurological damage.
Is Prichard Colón still alive?
Yes. Later reports describe him as alive, though living with severe disability after his injury.
How is Prichard Colón now?
Sources say he continues rehabilitation and has shown some improvement, with reports of limited communication and movement, but he still requires ongoing care.
What was Prichard Colón's record?
His professional record is generally listed as 16 wins and 1 loss in 17 fights.
Who did Prichard Colón fight?
The major fight associated with his injury was against Terrel Williams on October 17, 2015. Sources also note earlier professional opponents, including Xavier La Salle in his debut.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prichard_Col%C3%B3n
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, amateur gold medal, professional record, and injury summary.
  2. The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/prichard-colon-has-been-in-a-vegetative-state-since-a-2015-bout-but-his-parents-fight-on-a7804616.html
    Supports: Post-injury condition and vegetative-state reporting.
  3. Wikipedia (French)https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prichard_Col%C3%B3n
    Supports: Later-life reports of rehabilitation and partial recovery.
  4. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/19149776/shattered-dreams
    Supports: Medical aftermath of the 2015 bout and diagnosis.
  5. Prichard Colon Boxerhttps://prichardcolon.com/
    Supports: Biography, fight count, and ongoing recovery claims.
  6. World Boxing Councilhttps://www.wbcboxing.com/en/round-12-prichard-colon-wbc-honorary-champion-and-example-of-infinite-love/
    Supports: Honorary champion reference and description of injury.