Terrel Williams is an American former professional boxer best known for his 2015 fight against Puerto Rican prospect Prichard Colón. The bout became one of boxing’s most tragic stories after Colón suffered a devastating brain injury and was left with severe disabilities.
The fight has remained a subject of discussion for years, particularly because of the punches to the back of Colón’s head, the unusual ending to the bout and questions surrounding the medical response.
Who Is Terrel Williams?
Terrel Williams was an unbeaten American professional boxer when he faced Prichard Colón on October 17, 2015, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Williams entered the contest with a 14-0 record and 12 knockouts, while Colón was also unbeaten at 16-0 with 13 knockouts. The matchup was viewed as an important opportunity for both fighters.
Williams had been inactive for nearly two years before the Colón fight and accepted the bout on relatively short notice. Despite that, he produced the most significant victory of his career.
Terrel Williams vs Prichard Colón: What Happened?
The fight became increasingly controversial as it progressed. Colón complained during the bout about punches landing to the back of his head. Referee Joseph Cooper deducted a point from Williams for a rabbit punch in the seventh round.
Colón also received a two-point deduction for a low blow earlier in the fight.
The decisive ninth round was particularly dramatic. Williams knocked Colón down twice, with the second knockdown coming after a punch landed toward the back of Colón’s head. Colón appeared badly affected by the sequence.
Then came one of the strangest moments of the fight. Colón’s corner mistakenly began removing his gloves after the ninth round, apparently believing the bout was over. Because the gloves had been removed, Colón was unable to continue properly for the tenth round and was disqualified.
That gave Williams a ninth-round disqualification victory.
What Happened to Prichard Colón After the Fight?
The situation became much more serious after Colón returned to his dressing room.
He experienced dizziness and vomiting and was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital. Doctors discovered bleeding in his brain, and he underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure inside his skull. He subsequently entered a coma.
Colón remained in a coma for 221 days. His injuries ultimately ended his boxing career and left him requiring extensive assistance and long-term care.
His story attracted international attention and turned the Williams-Colón fight into a major discussion about boxer safety and traumatic brain injuries.
Did Terrel Williams Cause Prichard Colón’s Injury?
This is an important distinction.
Williams landed punches to the back of Colón’s head during the fight, and one such sequence resulted in a referee penalty. However, it would be inaccurate to state as an established fact that Williams alone caused Colón’s eventual brain injury.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation investigated the circumstances surrounding the fight. In 2016, the agency reported that it found no wrongdoing by the event organizers.
Williams himself expressed deep concern after learning about Colón’s condition. He said he could not enjoy the victory because he was worried about his opponent.
What Happened to Terrel Williams After the Fight?
The Colón fight became the defining moment of Williams’ professional career. Although he entered the contest undefeated and secured a victory, his boxing career did not develop into the major championship run that some had expected.
Williams subsequently maintained a relatively low public profile. Recent reporting in August 2026 says that little reliable information is publicly available about his current activities and that there have been no major developments in his boxing career in recent years.
Because Williams has largely stayed out of the spotlight, claims circulating online about his current whereabouts or personal life should be treated cautiously unless supported by reliable sources.
Where Is Terrel Williams Now?
As of August 2026, Terrel Williams is largely out of the public eye.
There is limited verified information about his present-day activities, and he has not remained a prominent figure in professional boxing. His name continues to resurface because of the tragic consequences associated with his 2015 fight against Prichard Colón.
The renewed attention in 2026 followed the death of Colón, which brought the circumstances of their fight back into the international spotlight.
Prichard Colón’s Death in 2026
Prichard Colón died on August 13, 2026, at the age of 33, nearly 11 years after suffering the brain injury during his fight with Williams.
His father, Richard Colón, announced his death. Reports stated that an exact cause of death had not been publicly disclosed at the time of the initial announcements.
Colón’s death has renewed interest in his career, his injury and Terrel Williams, whose name remains permanently connected to the 2015 bout.
Was Terrel Williams Sued?
Colón’s family later pursued legal action related to the circumstances surrounding the fight. A lawsuit seeking more than $50 million was filed in 2017.
Importantly, reports state that the lawsuit did not name Terrel Williams or referee Joseph Cooper as defendants. The action instead targeted the ringside doctor and promoters involved with the event.
This distinction is important when discussing Williams’ legal responsibility for what happened.
Terrel Williams and Prichard Colón Legacy
The Williams-Colón fight is remembered for much more than its result.
For Williams, it was the biggest victory of his career but also the fight that permanently linked his name to one of boxing’s most tragic incidents.
For Colón, it marked the end of a promising career that had begun with a 16-0 professional record and 13 knockouts. His long struggle following the injury made him a symbol of resilience and increased attention on the dangers of head trauma in boxing.
The tragedy also illustrates why proper officiating, medical supervision and fighter safety remain essential parts of professional boxing.
Final Thoughts
Terrel Williams was an undefeated professional boxer when he faced Prichard Colón in 2015. Williams won the fight by disqualification after Colón’s corner mistakenly removed his gloves, but the bout became infamous after Colón suffered a catastrophic brain injury.
More than a decade later, Colón’s death at 33 has once again brought the fight into focus. Williams has largely remained out of the public spotlight, and verified information about what he is doing now is limited.
The story remains a painful chapter in boxing history and a reminder that a fighter’s safety can matter far more than the result recorded on a scorecard.
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