Several months before his battle with Terrel Williams, Prichard Colon was in a relationship that ended. Prichard found peace and dedication in boxing despite his romantic troubles. As of 2023, Prichard Colon’s romantic life remains unknown.
Who is Prichard Colon?
Born September 19, 1992, Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colón Meléndez is famous. He won the 64 kg (141 pounds) gold medal at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship and was named honorary WBC World Champion. After a 2015 fight with Terrel Williams, his career changed drastically. Colón fainted in the dressing room after being hit in the back of the head during the match, dying of a cerebral hemorrhage.
Colón was in a coma for 221 days, fighting for his life. Tragically, he awoke in a vegetative state unable to talk. Despite the odds, Colón’s drive and determination carried him. After a long journey, he was discharged from the hospital, a major healing milestone.
Despite the odds, Prichard Colón Meléndez endures extensive treatment to regain his independence. Though speech is still difficult, he uses a computer to communicate, showing his tenacity and determination.
Profile summary
| Born | September 19, 1992 (age 31) |
| born place | Maitland, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Statistics, Digget |
| Weight(s) | Super welterweight |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Reach | 74 in (188 cm) |
| Total fights | 17 |
| Wins | 16 |
| Wins by KO | 13 |
| Losses | 1 (Fight abandoned) |
Early Life
In Maitland, Florida, Prichard Colón had his first breath. Richard and Nieves Colón raised him and his siblings, including his younger sister. His father moved the family to Puerto Rico at 10 because he saw Prichard’s boxing potential. This deliberate move was planned to provide Prichard with more chances to practice and represent the island in renowned tournaments.
Prichard and his sister moved to Orocovis, Puerto Rico, from Florida, leaving his mother and older brother. This town’s gorgeous scenery fostered Prichard’s boxing love.
He began his quest to greatness at the Albergue Olímpico in Salinas, Puerto Rico, where he underwent hard training and discipline. Here, he was dubbed “Digget,” a reference to his size and persistence, like a determined digger uncovering his potential.
Prichard studied business administration at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico while pursuing his pugilistic goals.
Prichard Colón skyrocketed throughout his amateur career, winning five national titles in the 141 and 152 pounds. After winning the 64 kg gold medal in the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship, he became a rising boxing star.
Prichard persevered after failing to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in the Brazil Pre-Olympics. His passion for the sport drove him to switch to professional boxing in 2012, ending his 17-0-0 amateur career.
Prichard Colón’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering excellence, shaping him as a champion inside and out of the ring.
Career
A distinguished career began on February 23, 2013, when Prichard Colón entered professional boxing. In his first fight, he faced Xavier La Salle at the Cosme Beitía Salamo Coliseum in Cataño, Puerto Rico. Colón knocked out La Salle in the first round with sheer talent and tenacity.
As he began a difficult journey of intense competition, Colón’s desire and determination were clear. He impressed fans and critics by boxing five times in 2013 and seven times in 2014. This demanding schedule showed his skill, stamina, and dedication to his craft.
He had many fights, but one defined his career. A highly anticipated bout against veteran Vivian Harris took place at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto on September 9, 2015. Colón’s fourth-round knockout of Harris solidified his boxing career as a rising star.
About a month later, Colón’s fate became terrible. He was supposed to fight Terrel Williams at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, on October 17, 2015. Colón returned to the spotlight when this match was added due to unanticipated circumstances. Unfortunately, this ended his professional fighting career.
The match with Williams was Colón’s last in the ring, ending a thrilling but turbulent career. Despite his early boxing career finish, Prichard Colón’s reputation lives on as a monument to his fierce determination and devotion.
Brain injury
Colón dominated the first five rounds of the nine-round fight against Williams. Williams violated boxing regulations by repeatedly hitting Colón in the back of the head despite his apparent lead. Colón alerted referee Joe Cooper to the fouls, but he dismissed them, worsening the situation.
In exasperation, Colón reacted with a low blow, earning a 2-point penalty. The illegal hits continued, ending in a devastating ninth-round knockdown of Colón, his first professional knockdown. Colón told ringside doctor Richard Ashby about his dizziness during breaks, but he was cleared to battle.
Unfortunately, Colón’s corner removed his gloves thinking the match was over, disqualifying him. Witnesses remarked on his disorientation and dizziness, highlighting his condition. Colón began vomiting and collapsing after the contest, requiring hospitalization.
Emergency surgery to reduce brain swelling was needed due to a serious left-sided subdural hematoma. Colón was in a coma for 221 days and treated at Inova Fairfax Hospital before being transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Being vegetative since April 2017, he needed substantial medical treatment and support to recover.
After the tragedy, Colón’s parents sued the ringside doctor and promoters for negligence. As litigation continues, the family’s sorrow and uncertainty persist.
Williams, reeling from the incident, expressed guilt and empathy for Colón, admitting the impact of his actions. Williams’ role in the issue has overshadowed his promising boxing career, underlining the sport’s harsh realities.
In July 2018, a video of Colón receiving physical treatment and responding to verbal signals appeared on social media, offering hope. His mother, Nieves, updated him on his assistive technology communication efforts.
Colón’s recuperation continues in 2023 with his family’s assistance, especially his mother Nieves. Despite improvements, his speech remains illusive, highlighting his ongoing struggles to regain independence.
Boxing record
| 17 fights | 16 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 13 | 0 |
| By decision | 3 | 0 |
| By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
Conclusion
Prichard Colón’s story is one of victory, tragedy, and perseverance. Colón’s rise from Maitland, Florida, to boxing’s top fascinates.
After he struggled with Terrel Williams, his promising career ran into trouble. Colón was left in a vegetative state and fighting for his life after a catastrophic brain injury.
Despite the darkness, optimism appears. Colón perseveres and his family supports him on his difficult recovery route. Colón’s perseverance illuminates the path to healing and hope despite his many challenges.
Over time, Prichard Colón’s legacy has shown the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of endurance. Colón’s perseverance pushes us to pursue our dreams no matter what comes our way, even though his path is far from complete.
FAQ’s
What caused Prichard Colón’s career-ending brain injury?
A boxing battle with Terrel Williams left Prichard Colón with a catastrophic brain injury. Williams knocked Colón down with numerous unlawful hits to the back of his head, disqualifying and hospitalizing him despite his apparent lead.
Prichard Colón’s health?
In 2023, Prichard Colón is still receiving brain injury therapy and rehabilitation. Despite advances, he remains vegetative and cannot speak.
After Prichard Colón’s injuries, what legal steps were taken?
Prichard Colón’s parents sued the ringside doctor and promoters for negligence, seeking over $50 million. In 2019, the lawsuit was still pending, leaving the family in worry.
How did Terrel Williams react to injuring Prichard Colón?
Terrel Williams apologized to Prichard Colón and acknowledged the match’s tragedy. Williams continues to pray for Colón, despite being better recognized for the incident than his boxing career.
Is Prichard Colón’s rehabilitation progressing?
Despite obstacles, Prichard Colón’s recuperation has shown promise. In July 2018, a video showed Colón performing physical therapy and following spoken orders, giving optimism for his restoration.