Irish boxer John Cooney has tragically passed away, a week after sustaining a brain injury during his super-featherweight title defence. The 28-year-old was rushed to intensive care following his fight against Welsh opponent Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall last Saturday. The bout was stopped in the ninth round, and Cooney was later diagnosed with an intracranial haemorrhage.
MHD Promotions, Cooney’s promoters, released a statement expressing their heartbreak: “After a week of battling for his life, John Cooney has sadly passed away.” They also extended the gratitude of his family and fiancée for the efforts of the medical staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
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Cooney had claimed the Celtic super-featherweight title in November 2023, defeating Liam Gaynor, but had spent much of 2024 recovering from a hand injury before returning to the ring. His fight against Howells marked his first title defence.
The boxing community has been pouring in tributes, with fellow boxer Conrad Cummings calling Cooney a “warrior,” and Gaynor, who retired after his bout with Cooney, expressing his deep sorrow.
