Irish boxer John Cooney has tragically passed away after his battle with a brain injury.
Cooney was in action last weekend as he took on Nathan Howells in Belfast in a super-featherweight contest.
GettyCooney has passed away aged 28[/caption]
The talented star was stopped in the ninth round at the Ulster Hall and received immediate medical attention.
He was assessed in the ring before being taken away on a stretcher and straight to the Royal Victoria Hospital where his condition became critical.
The brave boxer’s promoter Mark Dunlop revealed that Cooney has suffered an ‘intracranial haemorrhage’ and required surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.
He was in intensive care and faced a brave battle with the injury after being transferred to the ICU unit.
But it was today confirmed that Cooney had passed away at the age of 28 following the injuries.
His promoter MGB Promotions released a statement on behalf of his family, which read: “It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away.
“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.
“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’.”
A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for the fighter’s family, which had already reached £47,000 prior to his death.
GettyCooney was in action in Belfast when he sustained the injury[/caption]
Tributes have poured in for the Irish boxer, including Nick Blackwell who wrote: “Another boxer lost his life tragically after sustaining a brain injury after his fight. Just 28 years old.
“John Cooney, the boxer who had to undergo emergency brain surgery following defeat in his Celtic Title fight on Saturday, has sadly passed away in hospital.
“All of our thoughts and condolences are with John’s family and close friends at this sad time.”
Conrad Cummings added: “John Cooney the warrior gave up his fight and passed away this evening.
“I am deeply saddened, I can’t begin to think of the hurt his poor fiancée and family are going through.. I pray they find the strength.”
Cooney was a talented fighter who had a bright future ahead of him.
X – John CooneyCooney had fought on an Eddie Hearn show previously[/caption]
He was making a first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title which ended in tragedy.
The Irish prospect had fought on the biggest of stages including in his first round win over Liam Gaynor on the undercard of Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron in November 2023.
