Irish boxer John Cooney is fighting for his life in intensive care after suffering a brain injury during his Celtic super-featherweight title defence in Belfast.
The 28-year-old Galway native underwent emergency surgery for an intracranial haemorrhage following his ninth-round defeat to Welshman Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall on Saturday night.
Cooney was rushed to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital where he remains in the intensive care unit after the operation to relieve pressure on his brain.
The contest ended when Howells landed a body shot that sent Cooney to the canvas in the ninth round.
John Cooney is fighting for his life in intensive care
PA
Referee Darren Sarginson stopped the fight after Howells continued with follow-up punches.
Cooney was immediately assessed by the British Boxing Board of Control's onsite medical team in the ring.
He was then stretchered out of Ulster Hall and swiftly transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital for further treatment.
In a statement on Monday, promoter Mark Dunlop said: "On arrival at the RVH it was discovered that John had an intracranial haemorrhage and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain."
"John is currently in the intensive care unit and in the hospitals capable hands of the ICU team," the statement continued.
MHD Promotions said Cooney's fiancee Emmaleen and parents Hughie and Tina "would ask that they keep John in their thoughts and prayers at this time as he faces his toughest battle."
Cooney had claimed the Celtic title with a first-round victory over Liam Gaynor in November 2023 at Dublin's 3Arena, appearing on the undercard of Katie Taylor's revenge win against Chantelle Cameron.
He then spent a year away from the ring recovering from a hand injury.
The Galway boxer made his return to action in October 2024, defeating Tanzania's Tampela Maharusi in London.
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Prior to Saturday's bout, Cooney had been training with former world title challenger Zelfa Barrett in Manchester.
Cooney's uncle Christopher has called for prayers, stating his nephew "is fighting for his life in the Royal Vic Hospital Belfast."
In an emotional response, Christopher Cooney also called for a ban on professional boxing, describing it as "a horrible violent so-called sport."
Former professional boxer Conrad Cummings offered his support, saying: "Tough little man - hope he can pull through at this difficult time. Stay strong. Prayers & thoughts with you champ."
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