Irish boxer John Cooney tragically passed away at the young age of 28, just a week after participating in a fight against Welsh boxer Nathan Howells. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his manager, Mark Dunlop, who shared that Cooney had undergone surgery for a brain bleed following the fight. Cooney was stopped in the ninth round of the match and was immediately taken to the hospital for intensive care.
During the Celtic super-featherweight title defence fight against Howells, Cooney suffered an intracranial haemorrhage, leading to immediate medical attention and surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Despite the efforts to relieve the pressure on his brain, Cooney remained in critical condition throughout the week. The news of his passing was shared on the MHD Promotions Facebook page, expressing complete devastation over the loss of the talented boxer.
The Cooney family, including his parents and fiancée Emmaleen, expressed their gratitude towards the staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their tireless efforts to save Cooney’s life. Tributes poured in from supporters and fans who remembered Cooney, affectionately known as “The Kid,” for his skill and passion for boxing. A GoFundMe page was set up to provide financial support, with the approval of Cooney’s family and management.
In a radio interview, Dunlop provided an update on Cooney’s health, highlighting the severity of the situation and the critical condition the boxer was in. The boxing community came together to offer condolences and support to both the Cooney family and Howells during this difficult time. The tragic loss of a young and promising athlete has reverberated through the boxing world, serving as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices involved in the sport.
Cooney’s passing serves as a poignant moment to reflect on the physical and mental demands placed on boxers, highlighting the importance of safety measures and medical support in combat sports. The boxing community mourns the loss of one of its members, with memories of Cooney’s fighting spirit and dedication remaining treasured by those who knew him. As the sport grapples with this loss, efforts to support boxers’ well-being and safety are underscored, ensuring that tragedies like Cooney’s passing are not in vain.