Is Terrel Williams Still Getting Threats After Paralyzing Prichard Colon?

The American boxer, Terrel Williams has often publicly expressed his dismay at the state of health of his last rival, Orocoveño Prichard Colón. In 2015, two budding welterweights battled it out in the Eagle Bank arena. After the fight, only one of them walked out. Terrel Williams took on undefeated super welterweight Prichard Colon. Colon entered the fight 16-0 and dreamed of having the WBC belt around his waist. This fight ended up being the last time Colon had the ability to walk. From the start of the fight, Colon complained to the referee that Williams kept hitting him with “bunny punches”. This is crucial to this story because Bunny or Rabbit punches are illegal in boxing, as they strike the back of the opponent’s head.

Despite the complaint, Williams continued to throw bunny punches and below-the-belt shots. Finally, in the 9th round, Williams did what no other welterweight has been able to do against Colon. He knocked Colon down for the third time with whiplash. The referee called a stoppage in the ninth round and Colon fell into a coma when they admitted him to the hospital.

The American boxer Terrel Williams has long expressed his concern regarding the condition of his last opponent, Puerto Rican fighter Prichard Colón. Their 2015 welterweight bout at the EagleBank Arena ended in tragedy. Colón, then an undefeated prospect at 16-0 with hopes of earning a WBC title shot, suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him unable to walk. Throughout the fight, Colón complained to the referee that Williams repeatedly struck him with illegal “rabbit punches” to the back of the head — blows that are prohibited in boxing due to the neurological risks involved.

Despite the warnings, Colón continued to absorb fouls and low blows. In the ninth round, Williams scored a third knockdown, after which Colón appeared dazed and disoriented. The referee stopped the fight, and shortly afterward Colón collapsed and was transported to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma, and he subsequently fell into a coma.

Where Is Terrel Williams Now? (2025 Update)

After the 2015 incident, Williams stepped away from boxing for three years to cope with the emotional aftermath. He later returned to the ring, competing four more times before his final recorded bout in September 2019. Since then, Williams has remained out of the public eye, with no confirmed professional activity, interviews, or media engagements from 2020 through 2025.

Williams has also refrained from using social media. His only visible platform — an inactive Facebook page — remains a focal point for criticism related to the Colón fight. Despite the lack of new posts, individuals continue to leave angry messages and threats in the comments. Williams previously stated in 2018 that the backlash has affected him deeply and that the consequences of the fight remain with him daily.

Ongoing Hostility From Supporters of Prichard Colón

In a 2018 interview with The Ring Magazine, Williams emphasized that he never intended to harm Colón and continues to pray for his recovery. However, the relationship between the two families remains strained. The Colón family maintains that Williams bears responsibility for the illegal blows and the long-term outcome.

Williams has acknowledged that the past continues to weigh heavily on him. He has said that he understands the pain the Colón family carries and has expressed remorse for the tragic circumstances. Despite this, public sentiment among Colón supporters remains largely unforgiving, as reflected in frequent negative comments and messages on Williams’s abandoned Facebook page.

Williams Has Expressed Remorse

In earlier interviews, including one with the LA Times, Williams described the emotional toll the incident has taken. He stated that his immediate reaction after the fight was concern for Colón and his family. Williams has repeated that he never intended harm and that he prays for Colón’s improvement. No new statements or interviews from Williams have been published since 2019, and he has maintained complete privacy throughout 2020–2025.

Where Is Prichard Colón Now?

2017–2018

Colón remained in a coma for 221 days before being transferred to long-term rehabilitative care. He underwent extensive treatment at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and was later moved to his mother’s home in Orlando, Florida. In 2017, his parents filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50 million in damages — as of 2025, the case has still not reached a public settlement or conclusion.

In 2018, Colón’s mother shared video updates showing him undergoing therapy and responding to simple verbal prompts. The WBC honored him as “Champion for Life,” presenting him with a ceremonial belt to acknowledge his perseverance.

2020–2022

Colón continued living with his family, receiving full-time care and regular therapy in Florida. Progress was slow but apparent: he demonstrated the ability to communicate with his eyes, move his hands, and stand briefly with assistance. Updates shared by family members showed incremental neurological improvement.

2021

Colón underwent surgery to reinforce the left side of his skull with implanted plates due to structural deterioration stemming from his injury. His mother reported that the procedure went well. The WBC again recognized Colón as an honorary champion.

2023–2025 (Verified Public Updates)

While the family has remained largely private, small updates from relatives and close contacts indicate:

• Colón continues daily therapy focused on mobility and communication.
• His cognitive responses have shown minor improvements, though he remains severely disabled.
• He still requires full-time assistance for nearly all activities of daily living.
• No major medical breakthroughs or new procedures have been reported publicly.
• The lawsuit remains unresolved in public records, with no announcements of settlement.
• Colón’s mother and caregivers occasionally share brief updates or photos, confirming ongoing rehabilitation and slow progress.

Throughout 2023–2025, boxing organizations, fans, and Puerto Rican community leaders have continued to honor Colón’s resilience, referring to him as a “champion of life.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened during the fight?

On October 17, 2015, during a bout in Virginia, Colón complained repeatedly of blows to the back of the head. He later collapsed and was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, requiring emergency neurosurgery. The damage caused long-term neurological impairment.

Why were the blows controversial?

Williams landed multiple rabbit punches — illegal strikes to the back of the head. He was penalized a point, but the fight was not stopped. Williams has stated that adrenaline and the pace of the match affected his awareness of where his punches were landing.

What happened to Colón’s skull?

Due to the damage from the brain bleed and subsequent surgeries, part of Colón’s skull weakened over time. In 2021, surgeons implanted plates on the left side of his head to stabilize the area.

How did Colón begin boxing?

Colón began training as a child, inspired by his father, who had experience in the sport. He won five national championships as an amateur and claimed gold at the 2009 Pan American Youth Championship before turning professional in 2013.

Did the family win the lawsuit?

As of 2025, the multimillion-dollar lawsuit has not been publicly resolved. The case remains open, with no confirmed settlement or conclusion.

Where is Colón’s girlfriend now?

Colón’s longtime girlfriend, Dania, continues to assist his parents in caring for him. She has remained part of his support system throughout his recovery, helping with daily needs and therapy routines.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Terrel Williams remains out of the public eye, with no professional return or recent statements. Prichard Colón continues to recover slowly under the care of his family in Florida. While his progress is limited, he has made small improvements over the years and remains an inspirational figure to many in the boxing community. The tragedy of the 2015 fight continues to affect both families, and the unresolved legal case leaves many questions open. Yet Colón’s resilience and the ongoing support around him remain central to his story.