Al Haymon’s care of Prichard Colon’s long-term recovery praised

Premier Boxing Champions figurehead Al Haymon earned acclaim from the mother of Prichard Colon for his help with the former boxer’s recovery.

Colon, famously injured in a clash with Terrel Williams in 2015, needed years of rehabilitation after spending time in a coma. Williams stood accused of hitting Colon with rabbit punches and has since been under fire for his part in the tragedy despite apologizing for what transpired.

But nine years on, and with Williams still facing abuse and Colon supporters attempting to find him, Haymon’s involvement in the saga cannot be underestimated.

Nieves Colon issued a thank-you letter to Mr. Haymon outlining how far the entrepreneur has gone to ensure Prichard’s well-being behind the scenes.

“I propose to eternally thank a person who, since October 15, 2015, has been in total support of this servant. His name is Mr. Al Haymon,” said Nieves. “This gentleman, after the event suffered by Prichard, has shown real support for me and Prichard.

“From the moment he made the effort to travel to the hospital where Prichard Colón Meléndez would be discharged and to the present. Without his visit to the hospital, making arrangements and personal arrangements so that my son was not only discharged and placed in rehab, Prichard would never have made progress in therapies and treatments.

“It was Mr. Al Haymon who diligently secured Sheperd Center for my Son so that Prichard would be treated with dignity and respect.”

She added, “I am grateful for Mr. Al Haymon because, in each of my most intense moments, I could always trust that He would help me and respond with respect and awareness of the real need in my life and that of Prichard.

“I had not done this thanks before, and I am sure that Mr. Haymon knows my feelings because every time I have needed it. He has never hesitated to give peace to my situation and help me. I thank God for Mr. Al Haymon and wish God would bless him eternally.

“Something very serious and important is my financial situation because I quit my job and my own business to dedicate all my time to my son’s therapies. This is very important for these nine years when Prichard’s roof has been in danger due to non-payment. Mr. Haymon has covered the mortgage.

“Shepherd Center was the place that Mr. Haymon demanded and achieved with all his effort because he wanted my son to be treated with good, quality service. He was the one who got this place for Prichard.

“I personally have no direct communication with Mr. Al Haymon. I wish to thank Mr. Lamont, who has, over the years, attended to my situation and, in one way or another, brought my need to Mr. Haymon. In addition to Mr. Lamont, I also want to thank Mr. Haymon’s staff because they always do their diligence and, with effort, take my needs to Him.

“Every time I seriously needed a solution to my mortgage payments, Mr. Al Haymon took his valuable time and addressed my concern, giving me peace of mind to continue my fight. Thank you, thank you eternally for what you do with Prichard and with me!”

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman acknowledged the post in his latest World Boxing Council column.

“I saw an open letter of thanks published on Facebook from Nieves Colon, Prichard’s mother, in which she details the incredible support they have received from Al Haymon, and that also motivated me to remember and join in highlighting the greatness of this tremendous man.

“Who is Al Haymon? He is considered mysterious because he never appears in public, even though he has been one of the most influential people in boxing during the last twenty years. Al Haymon has been behind and involved with the careers of hundreds of boxers. Something characterizes him: his love and protection of the fighter over any monetary or commercial interest.

“As detailed by Doña Nieves, Al Haymon has taken care of all of Prichard’s life and needs since that tragic ring accident in October 2015 when he suffered a stroke that changed his life dramatically and forever. Not only did he cover all the expenses of operations and hospitals, but he also continued to pay for rehabilitation therapies, his housing, and all necessary care.

“I am a witness to Mr. Haymon’s actions with many other fighters such as Adonis Stevenson, who also suffered a ring accident, Paul Williams, who suffered a motorcycle accident, and many retired fighters who have the support of being hired to have decent jobs and continue in boxing.

“My respects to Al Haymon, a kind soul with a big heart and great humility and humanity.”

Haymon remains mainly in the background of his PBC empire as stars like Gervonta Davis, David Benavidez, and others take their rightful place in the spotlight.

It’s refreshing to see a promoter take this stance, as some promoters in the current climate are forever taking center stage themselves, with their own fighters being a secondary afterthought.

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The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay. Learn more, read all articles from the experienced boxing writer, and follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.