Where is Prichard Coln now, and what has become of the promising boxer whose career was tragically cut short? The story of Prichard Coln is a stark reminder of the brutal realities of boxing, a sport where glory and devastation can collide in the blink of an eye, leaving indelible scars on the human spirit.
The annals of boxing are filled with tales of triumph and tragedy, moments of soaring achievement juxtaposed with the crushing weight of defeat. But few stories resonate with the same profound sense of loss and the lingering question of "what if" as that of Prichard Coln Melndez. Born in Maitland, Florida, on September 19, 1992, Coln was a rising star, a young fighter with a bright future. He moved to Puerto Rico at the age of ten, where he honed his skills and represented the island with distinction in various competitions. His talent was undeniable. He achieved significant accolades as an amateur, including a gold medal at the 2010 Panamerican Youth Championship in the 64kg category, and even an honorary WBC world title. Turning professional in 2012 and debuting in February 2013, Coln quickly impressed, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and a relentless spirit.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prichard Coln Melndez |
| Born | September 19, 1992, Maitland, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American (Puerto Rican descent) |
| Amateur Achievements | 2010 Panamerican Youth Championship Gold Medalist (64kg), Multiple National Championships in Puerto Rico |
| Professional Record | 16 Wins (13 KO's), 1 Loss, 0 Draws |
| Notable Mentions | Honorary WBC World Champion |
| Injury | Suffered a brain bleed and permanent brain damage from a fight against Terrel Williams in 2015. |
| Current Status | Requires constant care; speech and mobility impaired. |
| Lawsuit | A $50 million lawsuit was filed against the promoters of his last fight, currently pending. |
| Reference | BoxRec.com |
The tragedy that reshaped Coln's life unfolded on October 17, 2015, in a fight against Terrel Williams. What began as a highly anticipated bout quickly descended into a nightmare. During the fight, Coln absorbed a series of illegal blows to the back of his head, often referred to as "rabbit punches." These strikes, delivered by Williams, went largely unnoticed by the referee. Despite being down twice in the ninth round and losing two points for a low blow, Coln's corner eventually stopped the fight after the ninth round. However, the damage was already done. Coln's corner removed his gloves after round nine, and the fight was stopped. He was later diagnosed with a brain bleed and slipped into a coma. The fight, marred by questionable refereeing and the apparent failure of the ringside doctor to intervene, would forever alter the course of Coln's life.
The immediate aftermath of the fight was a blur of medical intervention and agonizing uncertainty. Coln spent 221 days in a coma. The injuries he sustained were catastrophic, resulting in permanent brain damage. The promising young boxer, once celebrated for his athleticism and skill, now faced a long, arduous road to recovery, one that would require constant care and assistance. To this day, Coln has not recovered his speech or mobility, and he remains unable to walk on his own. His condition requires ongoing special care and attention.
The emotional toll of the incident extends beyond the immediate circle of those closest to Coln. The incident deeply affected all involved. Even years later, the events of that night continue to resonate. The memory of the fight haunts many in the boxing community. Deontay Wilder, a fellow boxer, once broke down in tears when speaking about Coln, highlighting the profound impact the injury has had on the sport and the individuals within it. Williams, Coln's opponent, expressed his remorse and offered prayers for Coln, an indication of the lasting psychological weight of the incident.
Coln's family has been unwavering in their support, providing him with the love and care he needs. His girlfriend, Dania, along with his parents, Nieves and Richard, have been by his side, offering their constant presence. In 2018, Nieves shared a video showing Prichard undergoing physical therapy and responding to verbal commands, a testament to the small but significant progress he has made in his long and difficult rehabilitation journey. The love and dedication of his family provide a source of strength and hope amid the immense challenges they face.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a lawsuit was filed against the ringside doctor and the event promoters, alleging negligence and malpractice. The Coln family is seeking justice for the preventable injuries that have irrevocably altered Prichard's life. The lawsuit, initially for $50 million, remains pending, a stark reminder of the legal battles and the long road ahead as the family seeks accountability. The legal proceedings reflect the family's quest for justice and the desire to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The focus, however, remains on ensuring Prichard receives the best possible care and support.
The boxing world, known for its gladiatorial nature, often struggles with the long-term consequences of injuries. The sport, with its inherent risks, frequently leaves individuals vulnerable. In Coln's case, the lasting impact is clear: the potential he had as a boxer, the joy he brought to his fans, and the life he had envisioned for himself were tragically disrupted.
Prichard Coln is not forgotten. Even now, he continues to inspire. His story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of perseverance, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. The fight might have been stopped after nine rounds, but the battle for Prichard Coln's well-being continues every single day. His story will forever be etched in the history of boxing, a cautionary tale, a call for greater safety, and a tribute to the enduring power of family, faith, and the unwavering human spirit. The question of what could have been will forever linger, yet the enduring focus remains on his well-being, and the hope that he will continue to make progress on his long journey.
The boxing community, and indeed the world, will continue to check the updated status of Prichard, hoping for continued progress in his journey. His sister has confirmed that he is making a recovery. While his speech has not yet returned, and his mobility is severely hampered by his condition, there is an undeniable spirit of recovery that resonates from his story, a symbol of hope and strength in the face of adversity.
