Irish boxer John Cooney dies aged 28 after suffering brain injury
A boxing champion has died after being rushed to hospital following a sickening collapse in the middle of his title fight.
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Boxer John Cooney has died after suffering a brain injury during the first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title fight.
Cooney was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital after his ninth round defeat to Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast last weekend.
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The Irish boxer underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain following the bout at the Ulster Hall but succumbed to the traumatic injury a week later, The Sun reports.
On arrival at the RVH it was discovered that Cooney had suffered an intracranial haemorrhage per a statement released by promoter Mark Dunlop on Tuesday (AEDT).
Cooney, 28, remained in ICU as he fought for his live but sadly passed away.
MHD Promotions issued a statement to confirm the devastating news on behalf of Cooney’s heartbroken family.
The statement read: “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.
“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiance 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.”
Further tributes were paid to the fighter from former professional boxer turned coach Conrad Cummings.
He said: “John Cooney the warrior gave up his fight and passed away this evening
“I am deeply saddened, I can’t begin to think of the hurt his poor fiancée and family are going through.. I pray they find the strength.”
The Ulster Hall posted on X: “We’re sending heartfelt condolences to John Cooney’s family and friends and the wider boxing community.
“A devastating outcome for this young sportsman and all those around him.”
The Galway boxer won the Celtic title with a first-round win over Liam Gaynor in November 2023 at a sold-out 3Arena in Dublin.
His victory was on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s rematch win over Chantelle Cameron.
Cooney was out of action for over 12 months after recovering from a hand injury.
He went on to beat Tampela Maharusi of Tanzania in London last year October before tragedy struck in last week’s defeat to Howells.
— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
Originally published as Irish boxer John Cooney dies aged 28 after suffering brain injury
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