Irish boxer John Cooney has passed away at the age of 28 after sustaining serious injuries during a match on February 1, his promoter confirmed on Saturday.
According to an AFP report, Cooney suffered an intracranial hemorrhage during his fight against Welsh opponent Nathan Howells in Belfast. The bout, which was his first defense of the Celtic super-featherweight title, was stopped in the ninth round, and he was immediately taken to the hospital, where he remained in intensive care for a week.
Promoter Mark Dunlop, speaking on behalf of Cooney’s family, shared the heartbreaking news, describing him as a beloved son, brother, and partner.
Cooney had secured the Celtic title in November 2023 with a swift first-round knockout against Liam Gaynor. However, he took a year off due to a hand injury before making a successful comeback in October with a victory over Tampela Maharusi.
His passing marks a tragic loss for the boxing community.
