The injuries sustained by Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon left him in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. Following the 2015 Terrel Williams fight in Virginia, the parents of Prichard Colon filed a lawsuit in 2017 seeking $50 million in damages and towards massive cost of treatment.
As the 33-year-old boxer passed away on August 13, Thursday, the lawsuit became an point of interest. At the time it came, the lawsuit was being touted as a potentially pathbreaking move in combat-sports-related injuries and how accountability is determined when things go awry. But more than nine years on, the lawsuit remains unresolved with no settlement documented.
Was Tyrell Williams sued for the rabbit punch on Prichard Colon's head? Was referee Joe Cooper sued for not calling a foul against Williams for several rounds, despite Colon complaining?
Deep Dive
What injuries did Prichard Colon sustain during the fight with Terrel Williams?
Why did Prichard Colon's parents file a lawsuit against Terrel Williams and others?
How did the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation respond to the incident involving Prichard Colon?
All of these have regained interest as Prichard Colon succumbed to injury-related complications 11 years after that fateful night at the e EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Also read: Where is Terrel Williams now? What happened to the boxer after Prichard Colon fight?
Who Were Named In Prichard Colon's Parents' Lawsuit?
{{/usCountry}}Also read: Where is Terrel Williams now? What happened to the boxer after Prichard Colon fight?
Who Were Named In Prichard Colon's Parents' Lawsuit?
{{/usCountry}}Prichard Colon's parents, Richard and Nieves Colon filed the lawsuit at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on May 3, 2017. The lawsuit accused the ringside doctor, Dr Richard Ashby, and his medical practice of negligence. The promoters of the fight, Headbanger's Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, were also named.
Dr. Ashby was targeted because, after Colon was knocked down in the 7th round, he was visibly holding the back of his head. He went to Ashby, who examined him. According to the broadcast, Ashby told commentator Kenny Rice that Colon was dizzy and experiencing pain in the back of his head, but believed he could continue. Ashby had agreed that he could continue.
Importantly, the $50-million lawsuit in 2017 did not name Cooper as a defendant. There was, however, an official investigation into Cooper, Dr. Ashby and Terrel Williams.
Why Were Joe Cooper And Terrel Williams Investigated?
The devastating incident led to the throwing of allegations among different people involved in the incident. it prompted the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to open an investigation into the incident. Joe Cooper, Richard Ashby, Terrel Williams, David Holland, Virginia's boxing program administrator, were investigated. The report, released in March 2016, said there were no regulatory violations warranting disciplinary action against the Virginia licensees.
It specifically found that Cooper generally maintained control, consulted with Ashby and complied with the regulatory requirements concerning Colón's health.