Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney has died after suffering a brain injury during his Celtic title defence fight against Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall last weekend.
The 28-year-old sustained an intracranial haemorrhage after being stopped in the ninth round of the bout.
Medical personnel attended to Cooney at the venue before he was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
MHD Promotions released a statement on behalf of the Cooney family, announcing: '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.'
Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney has died after suffering a brain injury during his Celtic title defence fight against Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall last weekend
GETTY
The family expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital who worked tirelessly to save Cooney's life.
'Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee Emmaleen would like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers,' the statement continued.
'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.'
We are deeply saddened to learn the passing of John Cooney.
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 8, 2025
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, @MarkHDunlop and all the team at this time 🙏 pic.twitter.com/EYDLXCQn31
Tributes poured in from across the boxing community following Cooney's untimely death.
His opponent Nathan Howells took to Instagram, writing: 'Just had the news that the worst has happened an unfortunately john has passed away thoughts are with his family and friends sorry for your loss.'
Matchroom Boxing released a statement saying: 'We are deeply saddened to learn the passing of John Cooney.'
'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, @MarkHDunlop and all the team at this time,' the promotion added.
Cooney had claimed the Celtic super-featherweight title with a victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023.
He had spent a year away from the ring due to a hand injury before making his return with a win against Tampela Maharusi in October.
Tributes have been paid to John Cooney following his tragic death at the age of 28
GETTY
A GoFundMe campaign was established to support Cooney's family in the wake of his passing.
The fundraising effort has generated more than £46,000, with UFC star Conor McGregor contributing a significant donation of £20,000.
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