Tragic Loss; Irish Boxer John Cooney Dies After Bout Injury
Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney has died at the age of 28, a week after suffering a brain injury during a bout in Belfast. Cooney, from Galway, was defending his Celtic super-featherweight title against Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall last Saturday when the fight was stopped in the ninth round. He was assessed by medical staff in the ring before being taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where it was discovered he had an intracranial haemorrhage. Despite undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, Cooney passed away after a week-long battle for his life.
A statement released by his promoter, Mark Dunlop, on behalf of the Cooney family, expressed their “complete devastation” at the loss. The statement thanked the hospital staff for their efforts and described Cooney as a “much-loved son, brother, and partner” who would be deeply missed. Tributes poured in from the boxing community, with former world champion Barry McGuigan calling the tragedy “terrifying” and describing Cooney as a “lovely, sweet kid” who was “ambitious, determined, and driven.”
Cooney had won the Celtic super-featherweight title in November 2023 with a first-round victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin. After a year-long hiatus due to a hand injury, he returned to the ring in October 2024 with a win over Tampela Maharusi. His death has left the Irish boxing community in mourning, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the young fighter.
John Cooney: Irish boxer dies after suffering brain injury in Belfast fight
Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney dies after suffering a brain injury in last Saturday's defeat by Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast.
www.bbc.com
Irish boxer John Cooney dies aged 28, one week after suffering injury in bout
The Irish boxer John Cooney has died, his promoter Mark Dunlop has announced, a week after he was injured in a fight in Belfast
www.theguardian.com
Family’s ‘devastation’ as boxer John Cooney dies a week after suffering brain injury
The 28-year-old Belfast man was in intensive care following his defeat to Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall
www.irishexaminer.com
Irish boxer John Cooney dies after suffering brain injury in super-featherweight championship fight
The 28-year-old from Belfast had won the Celtic super-featherweight title against Liam Gaynor in November 2023.
news.sky.com
John Cooney dies aged 28 after suffering brain injury during title defence
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
www.thesun.co.uk