Boxers put their lives on the line for the sport that they hold close to their hearts. Former boxer Prichard Colon was one such boxer who had to pay a heavy price in his quest to be a champion. In fact, decorated heavyweight, Deontay Wilder broke down while talking about Prichard, while also advocating for the well-being of all fighters.

Wilder was talking in the post-fight interview, after a sensational showdown against Robert Helenius. Notably, he had knocked out Helenius in the very first round with a brutal right hook.

In the interview, he was asked about his thoughts on the knockout.

This was when he opened up about the well-being of boxers. He mentioned, “I’m a big advocate for fighters, because, like I always say, we get done wrong. This is not a sport. A sport is something you play. You don’t play this. And we risk our lives for your guys’ entertainment.”

READ MORE – Remembering Prichard Colón – The Boxer Who Got Paralyzed After Getting Hit With Illegal Shots

He stated that all fighters deserve respect, irrespective of what their record is. Wilder also mentioned that while the audience might cheer the knockout by calling it sensational. They tend to forget about the suffering that the boxer has to endure.

Deontay Wilder gets emotional while talking about Prichard Colon

At one point in time, Prichard Colon was one of the surging superstars of the super-welterweight division. And was on an unbeaten streak. This was when he faced Terrell Williams at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, on October 17, 2015. Here he was, subject to a few illegal shots from Williams. Moreover, he ended up paralyzed with life-threatening brain damage.

In the interview, Wilder spoke about Colon. He said, “Look at Colon, how he got hit. Prichard Colon, correct. This man ain’t have no kids. Man, y’all don’t understand man. Y’all don’t f*cking understand what we go through, man.”

Further, he went on to break down while talking about Colon’s current condition. Wilder said, “I don’t even know him like that. But I’ve always been an advocate for us because this man will never know what it feels like to be somebody’s father.”

Additionally, he also mentioned, “This man will never have the natural ability of living again.”

Wilder further added that Colon got inside the ring to support his family. But now his family has to look after him. It should also be mentioned that Wilder also seemed worried about the well-being of his opponent, Helenius, after the knockout.

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How important is the well-being of boxers? Let us know in the comments below.