Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney dies at 28 after suffering an intracranial haemorrhage during a fight in Belfast. The boxing world mourns his loss.
Super-featherweight boxer John Cooney, aged 28, has died following injuries sustained in his defeat by Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast last Saturday. The Irish boxer suffered an intracranial haemorrhage during the bout at the Ulster Hall and underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Cooney, from Galway, was assessed by the medical team at ringside before being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. MHD Promotions, representing the Cooney family, released a statement saying, “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.”
The statement continued, “Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee 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 fight was stopped in the ninth round, marking Cooney’s first defense of his Celtic super-featherweight title. He had previously won the title in November 2023 with a first-round victory over Liam Gaynor at the 3Arena in Dublin, on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s fight against Chantelle Cameron.
Following his Celtic title win, Cooney spent a year out of the ring due to a hand injury. He returned to boxing in October 2024, defeating Tampela Maharusi of Tanzania in London.
News of Cooney’s passing has prompted widespread reactions from the boxing community. Nathan Howells shared his condolences on Instagram, stating his thoughts were with Cooney’s family and friends. Conrad Cummings, a fellow Northern Irish boxer, expressed his sadness, acknowledging the pain Cooney’s family and fiancee were enduring.
Liam Gaynor, who retired after his fight with Cooney, also shared a message on Instagram, mourning the loss of his friend. Irish-Boxing.com highlighted Cooney’s kindness and generosity, noting the support from the boxing community reflected how highly he was regarded.
Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions also commented on Cooney’s death. The Ulster Hall, where the fight took place, posted their condolences on X (formerly Twitter). The Galway Amateur Boxing Association described the news as “the worst possible” after a difficult week. They added, “There are no words to convey the magnitude of this tragedy or that can lessen the grief of his family.”
A fundraiser was established with the Cooney family’s authorization and his boxing manager’s support, raising approximately £47,000.
Background on Intracranial Hemorrhage
An intracranial hemorrhage refers to bleeding inside the skull. This can occur due to trauma, such as a blow to the head, or spontaneously due to conditions like aneurysms or high blood pressure. The bleeding can put pressure on the brain, leading to various neurological problems and, in severe cases, can be fatal. Treatment often involves surgery to relieve the pressure and stop the bleeding.
Tributes and Remembrance
John Cooney’s passing is a significant loss to the boxing world. His career, though relatively short, was marked by determination and success. The tributes from fellow boxers, promoters, and fans highlight the impact he had on those around him. He will be remembered as a talented athlete and a respected member of the boxing community.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/ckg0e4vvr08o
https://news.sky.com/story/irish-boxer-john-cooney-dies-after-suffering-brain-injury-in-super-featherweight-championship-fight-13305762
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/boxing/complete-devastation-as-boxer-john-cooney-dies-week-after-ulster-hall-fight-left-him-hospitalised/a1596265796.html