Former Puerto Rican professional boxer Prichard “Digget” Colón has died at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after suffering a devastating brain injury during a fight against Terrel Williams.
Colón’s death was confirmed on Thursday, August 13, 2026, bringing to an end the life of a fighter whose promising career was abruptly cut short by the injury.
Before the tragedy, Colón was regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s brightest boxing prospects. He turned professional in 2013 and built an unbeaten record of 16 victories, including 13 knockouts.
His career changed forever on October 17, 2015, when he faced Williams in a welterweight bout at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
During the contest, Colón was repeatedly struck by illegal punches to the back of the head, commonly referred to as “rabbit punches.” Reports said Colón complained about the blows during the fight, while Williams was warned and later penalised.
The bout ended in the ninth round when Colón was disqualified after his corner removed his gloves, apparently believing the round had ended. Shortly afterwards, he became dizzy, vomited and collapsed in the dressing room.
He was rushed to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and underwent emergency brain surgery. Colón subsequently spent 221 days in a coma and was left with severe neurological complications that required long-term, round-the-clock care.
The injury effectively ended a career that had promised much. At the time of the bout, Colón was 16-0 with 13 knockouts and had established himself as a rising name in the professional ranks.
For more than a decade after the incident, Colón’s family remained by his side, caring for him through years of difficult rehabilitation and medical challenges.
His father, Richard Colón, who also served as his trainer, announced his death and paid tribute to his son. The boxing community subsequently mourned a fighter remembered as much for his courage outside the ring as for his achievements inside it.
Colón’s case also became a stark reminder of the dangers of boxing and the potentially devastating consequences of head trauma in the sport.
In 2021, the World Boxing Council honoured him as an honorary champion, recognising his courage and the resilience he displayed after the injury.
His death has renewed attention on the 2015 bout and the safety measures surrounding professional boxing, while tributes have poured in from boxing organisations and fans.
Colón may never have fulfilled the potential suggested by his unbeaten start to professional boxing, but his decade-long fight for survival turned him into a symbol of perseverance.
He is survived by a legacy that extends beyond his 16 victories and 13 knockouts — a story of a young fighter whose life changed in the ring, but whose courage continued long after his boxing career had ended.
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