Tragedy struck the boxing community as Irish boxer John Cooney has tragically passed away just days after a grueling Celtic super-featherweight title fight held at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.
Cooney, aged 28, faced Welshman Nathan Howells on February 1, where he was stopped in the ninth round and subsequently rushed to the hospital. He underwent emergency surgery for a brain bleed and was placed in intensive care.
The news of his passing was announced by his promoters, MHD Promotions, through a heartfelt message on social media on Saturday.
“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 revealed. “Mr & 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.’
Cooney earned the Celtic super-featherweight title with a stunning first-round victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, during the same memorable event where Katie Taylor also fought. After taking a year off due to a hand injury, he marked his return to the ring with a win against Tampela Maharusi at York Hall in October, before the unfortunate fight last week.
