By Jake Donovan

Prichard Colon went into his NBC-televised bout with Terrel Williams fighting to prove he belongs among the next wave of welterweight contenders.

He is now fighting to stay alive.

The 23-year old prospect from Orocovis, Puerto Rico was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital shortly after his 9th round disqualification loss to Williams at Eagle Bank Arena on George Mason University campus in Fairfax, Virginia. A punch to the back of the skull left him dizzy in round seven, having suffered a pair of knockdowns two rounds later.

Colon was docked two points earlier in the fight for what was ruled an intentional low blow after being rocked earlier in the frame.

Prior to the start of the 10th and final round, Colon's corner removed his gloves, claiming to believe the fight was over. Efforts to get the boxer back in the ring proved unsuccessful, as referee Joseph Cooper ruled that they were taking too long and thus disqualifying the previously unbeaten prospect.

It could have been the call that ultimately saves his life. Rather than taking any more punishment in the fight, Colon instead left the ring a beaten fighter, but one who was no longer to remain on his feet. A sequence of dizzy spells - which he initially complained of while being examined in round seven - vomiting and fainting prompted on-site medics to transport him to the nearby hospital for observation.

Colon's condition worsened, as he was diagnosed with bleeding on the brain and requiring emergency surgery. In order to save his life, Colon was placed in a medically induced coma.

For now, his family remains optimistic of his health eventually improving.

No comment was sought by BoxingScene.com, who reached out to the Colon family to simply offer thoughts and prayers for the brave young boxer who continues to fight the good fight.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.

Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

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