Boxer John Cooney tragically passed away at the age of 28 after sustaining a severe brain injury during a championship fight. The U.K.-based super-featherweight boxer had been fighting for his life for a week following the incident. His management company, MHD Promotions, shared the devastating news on social media, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of a beloved son, brother, and partner. The company’s statement reflected on the special person Cooney was and how he will be remembered for a lifetime.
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Cooney was competing in a British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) Celtic Super Featherweight title fight against Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall in Belfast when the injury occurred. Despite initial medical attention after the fight, Cooney was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that he had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage. Immediate surgery was performed to alleviate the pressure on his brain, but unfortunately, Cooney succumbed to his injuries.
His promoter, Mark Dunlop, provided updates on Cooney’s condition, stating that he was in the intensive care unit receiving care from the hospital’s medical team. The boxing community and fans rallied around Cooney, with many sending messages of support and prayers for his recovery. The tragic news of Cooney’s passing sent shockwaves through the boxing world, prompting an outpouring of condolences and tributes to the talented athlete.
Following Cooney’s death, fellow boxer Nathan Howells, who was his opponent in the fateful fight, expressed his condolences to Cooney’s family and friends. Howells, who emerged as the winner of the championship title, emphasized that he never intended for such a tragic outcome and had gone into the match with a focus on boxing. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has yet to comment on the incident.
In a show of solidarity and support, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Cooney’s family during this difficult time. The fundraiser quickly garnered significant attention, raising £47,000 (approximately $58,300) in donations. Notably, Irish boxer Conor McGregor contributed £20,000 (about $24,800) to the fund, showcasing the unity and compassion within the sports community during times of adversity.
The passing of John Cooney serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and dangers inherent in contact sports like boxing. It highlights the importance of prioritising athlete safety and implementing stringent protocols to prevent such tragic events in the future. As the boxing world mourns the loss of a talented and promising young athlete, efforts to honour Cooney’s legacy and support his grieving family continue to resonate throughout the sporting community. May John Cooney rest in peace, and may his memory inspire positive change in the realm of sports safety.