- Boxer John Cooney has died after suffering a brain injury in a fight last weekend
- His opponent Nathan Howells took to social media to pay tribute to 28-year-old
Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney has died after suffering a brain injury in his clash with Nathan Howells last weekend.
Cooney was stopped in the ninth round of the fight, which was the first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title, and suffered an intracranial haemorrhage.
After being attended to by medical personnel at the Ulster Hall Cooney was subsequently rushed to the Royal Victoria Hall Hospital in Belfast.
‘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,’ MHD Promotions said on behalf of the Cooney family.
‘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.’
Following the 28-year-old’s untimely death, tributes poured from across social media.
Howells wrote on Instagram: ‘Just had the news that the worst has happened an unfortunately john has passed away thoughts are with his family and friends sorry for your loss.’
A statement rom Matchroom Boxing read: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn the passing of John Cooney.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, @MarkHDunlop and all the team at this time.’
Cooney won the title with victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023 but spent a year out of the ring with a hand injury before returning with a win over Tampela Maharusi in October.
A Gofundme set up to support his family has raised more than £46,000, including a £20,000 donation from UFC star Conor McGregor.
