SMALL TOWN AMERICAN WITH BIG ASPIRATIONS
Prichard Colon
When someone speaks of small town America, it is presumed that this is a small Midwest community that brings visions of hard working people and family owned businesses. These folks have a higher propensity to lookout for the best interest of their community. All is true in this situation except for the fact that this community also exists beyond the contiguous US.
In the small town of Orocovis, Puerto Rico, resides hometown boxer Prichard “Digget” Colon, where he is currently preparing for his upcoming bout at the Hard Rock Casino In Las Vegas, NV on September 11, 2014. Prichard is a 21 year old prospect who is quickly becoming a contender on the national scene. As an amateur he was 5 times Puerto Rican National champ. As a professional he is currently 11-0 with 10 knockouts.
Prichard’s hometown Orocovis is located in the center of Puerto Rico, commonly referred to as Corazón de Puerto Rico (Heart of Puerto Rico). It has a population of 23,000 and is landlocked by surrounding counties. There is limited access to a well-equipped gym and boxing resources. Despite these obstacles Prichard and his team (Team Colon) are driven for success.
Team Colon includes his father Richard who trains him & older brother Ricardo who also helps. Richard and Ricardo have both served our country, Richard served in the US Army and Ricardo served in the Air force. They also serve their community by working with the youth of Orocovis, Puerto Rico.
Currently Team Colon spends their time training with the youngsters of Orocovis by teaching them about discipline, self-respect and give them an opportunity to be active. Richard asks that the parents of these youngsters to meet with him at least once every six months so that they can promote involvement in their kids’ lives. Richard understands that when parents are involved, the kids will have a higher chance at success in life. Richard influence on the kids in the community has grown year after year. Through the success of his efforts and others in the community, they have persuaded the town of Orocovis City Council to build a gym.
While the construction of the Gym begins to take shape, Team Colon continues to train in obscure places, sometimes training in an improvised outdoor gym. Many days are spent by Team Colon driving hours to find proper sparring. There have been times where they spar without a boxing ring or ropes to mark , just an open space. Despite the lack of available resources, Prichard and his team work tirelessly on perfecting their craft. Reminiscent of the movie Rocky except that Prichard is no underdog. His talent has made him one of the young and fast rising stars in the highly talented Welterweight Division. The heart and dedication is truly on display when Prichard enters the ring, he transforms into hungry lion that is relentlessly hunting his prey.
Team Colon’s family nucleus creates a power base that allows them to effectively climb the ranks and have a positive influence on the youth. They will continue to work together to achieving pugilistic glory by winning a World Boxing Title.
-Mohamad “Mo” Elmahmoud