Prichard Colon, Boxer Left in Vegetative State After 2015 Fight, Dies at 33

Prichard Colon, who suffered a severe brain injury during a 2015 fight, has died aged 33, his father Richard confirmed on social media. Colon collapsed in his changing room after the fight with Terrell Williams, during which he complained about repeated punches to the back of his head. The Puerto Rican had suffered a brain haemorrhage and after having an operation to reduce brain swelling he was placed in a coma for 221 days. Colon lived the rest of his life in a vegetative state - unable to walk or talk - and required 24-hour care.

"Good morning, my people. I regret to inform you of the departure of my son Prichard from this earthly world," Richard Colon wrote on Facebook. "Now he is in a better world. I did everything possible to fulfil his wish, his dream of bringing him on vacation to Puerto Rico as he so desired, but it couldn't be done.

"Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers."

Colon was undefeated in 16 fights with 13 wins by knockout before facing Williams in Fairfax, Virginia. During the light-middleweight contest, Colon appeared to be struck in the back of the head on several occasions and Williams was deducted a point for illegal blows. Colon was later docked two points for a low blow and was knocked down in the ninth. Believing the fight was over, Colon's corner team removed his gloves and he was disqualified. His parents filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50m (£37m) in damages against the ringside doctor and promoters connected with the fight. That lawsuit remains unsettled.