Heartbreaking twist as British boxer Georgia O’Connor dies at 25

Tributes are flowing around the boxing world after a talented fighter died at the age of 25 in a heartbreaking tragedy.

British boxer Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancer.

The Sun reports the former Team GB star - who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 - revealed her cancer news in January.

She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) - a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

BKFC: 75 | SAT 7 JUNE 11AM AEST | BKFC Middleweight Champion David Mundell will defend his title against #4 ranked middleweight Donald Sanchez. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

O’Connor had the whole of the boxing world backing her but devastatingly, she has passed away aged 25 from the rare and aggressive cancer.

In her last Instagram post - two weeks before her death - O’Connor revealed she had married her partner Adriano.

She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”

Inspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.

In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.

She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold onto him, because that kind of love is rare.

Georgia O’Connor represented Team GB as an amateur.

She revealed her cancer diagnosis in January.

“From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.

“Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me …

“Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.

“I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.

“A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.

“Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.

“I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.

“You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.

“Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.

“We take it all, hand-in-hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”

O'Connor married her partner Adriano just before her death.

The boxing hero revealed her marriage two weeks before her sad death

Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter, who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021.

Boxxer, who promoted her, posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.

“A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.

“Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”

Promoter Ben Shalom added: “It’s hard to make sense of this … a lot goes on in life but nothing else matters other than your family and your health.

“My heart goes out to Georgia’s parents and partner, who I know did everything they could tirelessly and are going through so much right now.

“Georgia was an inspirational person and one I’ll never forget. So sorry for her family and all her friends. Truly heartbreaking.”

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.

Georgia O'Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancer

“All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”

England Boxing said: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.

“A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.

“Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”

Promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland replied: “Awful news, incredibly saddened to hear.

“Thoughts are with Georgia’s family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.”

YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul posted: “F*** cancer. RIP Georgia. Condolences to all her family and friends.”

Super-middleweight Joe Laws posted a picture of the pair and wrote: “Fighter till the end rest easy bro.”

Not only was she a talented boxer, O’Connor also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.

Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing - posting videos on social media.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Heartbreaking twist as British boxer Georgia O’Connor dies at 25