Irish boxer John Cooney, 28, has died a week after suffering a brain injury during his Celtic super-featherweight title fight at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. The talented boxer was stopped in the ninth round of his bout against Welshman Nathan Howells on February 1 and underwent surgery for a brain bleed at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
Cooney’s promoters, MHD Promotions, announced his passing via social media on Saturday, stating that he had “battled for his life” after being taken to hospital. The boxers’ team expressed their gratitude towards the hospital staff who worked tirelessly to save Cooney’s life and thanked everyone who sent messages of support.
The Irish boxer won the Celtic super-featherweight title with a first-round victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, having spent a year out of the ring due to a hand injury. He returned to boxing in October by defeating Tampela Maharusi at York Hall before his fight against Howells.
The boxing community has paid tribute to Cooney’s memory, with several messages of condolence pouring in from fellow boxers and fans.
Source: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13305717/john-cooney-irish-boxer-dies-after-suffering-brain-injury-in-celtic-super-featherweight-title-fight