Sadly, former boxer Prichard “Digget” Colon Melendez has died at the young age of 33, over a decade after suffering a severe brain injury during a fight.
The ex-super welterweight champion showed great potential after winning his first 16 professional fights until a tragic event interrupted his career in Puerto Rico.
Credit: Getty
Who was Prichard Colon?
Prichard Colon Melendez was a Puerto Rican professional boxer with an impressive record of 16 wins out of 17 matches.
Born on September 19, 1992, in Maitland, Florida, he moved to Puerto Rico at the age of 10 to participate in various tournaments representing the island.
Before turning professional in 2012, Colon was studying business administration at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan.
He achieved recognition as a WBC World Champion and won a gold medal in the 64kg category at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship.
His nickname “Digget,” taken from the term “digger,” emphasized his 6ft height.
His career peaked in 2015 when he faced veteran Vivian Harris, knocking him out in the fourth round.
What happened to Prichard Colon?
A few months after his victory over Harris, Colon fought Terrel Williams, during which he experienced a serious brain bleed.
This match was a last-minute replacement after another fighter, Andre Dirrell, withdrew from his bout against Blake Caparello.
Credit: Getty
In the ninth round, Williams hit Colon multiple times in the back of the head—an illegal move in boxing. The referee warned him to “watch it.”
Colon was leading in the first five rounds when he unexpectedly collapsed, surprising his supporters.
Despite feeling dizzy and nauseous, he continued fighting after the ringside doctor declared him fit.
However, after vomiting, he collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to the hospital, where he spent 221 days in a coma.
What was Prichard Colon’s diagnosis?
Colon was diagnosed with a brain bleed, specifically a 1.5cm left-sided subdural hematoma.
He underwent an urgent hemicraniectomy to relieve pressure on his brain and to address the hematoma.
In 2021, the World Boxing Council released a statement regarding his surgery.
The WBC informed Boxing Insider: “It was recently found that a skull collapse was putting pressure on the brain, necessitating the removal of part of it to be replaced with a plate.
“Fortunately, the surgery went well.”
After emerging from his lengthy coma, Colon was moved from the hospital to his mother’s home in Orlando, Florida.
While he survived the severe injury, he remained in a persistent vegetative state requiring continuous care.
Colon could not communicate verbally without assistive technology.
Facebook/Prichard Colon
In August 2026, after eleven years of fighting the aftermath of his injuries, Colon sadly passed away.
The WBO expressed: “A fighter until the end.
“The WBO family mourns the loss of Prichard Colón, whose courage, strength, and fighting spirit went beyond the sport.
“His most significant battle showcased his resilience and the unwavering love of his family. Rest in peace, champion.”
The WBC remarked: “Today, we pay tribute to the memory of Prichard Colón’s passing.
“A true warrior whose strength, bravery, and fighting spirit inspired countless people around the world.
“The WBC family extends its heartfelt condolences to his mother, Nieves, his family, and all loved ones. Rest in peace, Champion.”
The WBA stated: “We grieve the loss of Prichard Colón.
“An authentic warrior in every sense, Prichard imparted essential lessons about life, resilience, and our sport.
“The entire boxing community is devastated by this immense loss. Rest in peace, champion.”
Who are Prichard Colon’s parents?
Colón was born to his mother, Nieves, a retired waitress, and his father, Richard, a retired serviceman.
In February 2023, his devoted mother shared a video titled “Prichard Colon-Melendez 5K run for the woods,” featuring Colon on a trail in a specially-designed mobility chair and standing with assistance.
In 2017, his grieving parents filed a lawsuit for damages exceeding $50 million against the ringside doctor and fight promoters, which remains unresolved to this day.
