The boxing scene is in deep mourning. An Irishman succumbs to his fight injuries.
Irish boxer John Cooney has died a week after his fight, aged 28, from a head injury, his promoter Mark Dunlop announced.
Cooney had fought Welshman Nathan Howells in the super featherweight division on February 1 and suffered a brain haemorrhage in the process.
The fight was stopped in the ninth round and the Irishman was immediately taken to hospital in Belfast.
The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Irish featherweight, John Cooney following injuries sustained in his bout on February 1st.
Our deepest sympathies are with John’s friends and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/065FyoYHYa
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 8, 2025
Death rocks boxing scene
“It is with great sadness that we have to report that John Cooney has unfortunately passed away after a week of fighting for his life,” said a statement from his promoter on behalf of the Cooney family: ‘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.”
Cooney had captured the Celtic super featherweight title in Dublin in November 2023. Since he had to take a year-long break due to a hand injury, the fight against Howells was his first defense.
