Courtesy: Google
In a tragic incident, Irish boxer John Cooney has died due to a brain injury sustained during a match against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast last week. The boxer who lost against Howells, suffered an intracranial bleed and underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. The medical crew examined Galway man Cooney in the ring before transporting him on a stretcher to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital. The 28-year-old super-featherweight boxer Cooney's death was confirmed on Saturday in a statement released by his promoter Mark Dunlop on behalf of the Cooney family and girlfriend Emmaleen.
"It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away", MHD Promotions said in the press release. "Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John's life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers. He was a much-loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John 'The Kid' Cooney", the statement further read.
Tribute pours in from global boxing professionals
John Cooney won his Celtic super-featherweight title against Liam Gaynor in November 2023. He then spent nearly a year out of the ring due to a hand injury before defeating Tampela Maharusi last October.
Meanwhile, tribute poured in from boxing professionals who are quite shocked with the news. Barry McGuigan, former world champion during an interview with BBC Radio 5, said, "It's terrifying that this could happen to a 28-year-old kid who looked in the prime of his life". "It's just hard to believe it," he added, describing Cooney as "just a lovely, sweet kid. Ambitious, determined and driven". He further stated, "To have his life snapped away like that is just tragic."
Former double WBO European champion Conrad Cummings on his X account wrote, "John Cooney the warrior gave up his fight & passed away this evening. I am deeply saddened, I can't begin to think of the hurt his poor fiancée & family are going through. I pray they find the strength."
