Boxer Prichard Colon Dies at 33, 11 Years After Career-Ending Brain Injury

Boxer Prichard Colón has died at the age of 33, the World Boxing Organization announced Thursday.

According to TMZ, Colón's father released a statement on social media regarding his son's death.

"Good morning, everyone. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world. He is now in a better place," the statement read. "Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers."

As a junior middleweight, Colón thrived, recording a 16-0 record with 13 knockouts as he appeared on his way to stardom, but a tragic injury in 2015 changed the course of his career.

During a fight against Terrel Williams, Colón was struck multiple times before eventually being knocked down in the ninth round. After the fight, he collapsed and was taken to the hospital, where doctors discovered a subdural hematoma that required emergency surgery.

He was in a coma and was unable to walk or speak when he came out of it. He never regained his speech and spent the rest of his life in constant care.

While Colón's career was cut short, his tragic brain injury helped change the sport of boxing. In 2016, the World Boxing Council introduced what is known as the "Prichard Colón Rule," which instructs referees to apply zero tolerance to punches to the back of the head.