The tragic death of Irish boxer John Cooney, aged 28, has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Cooney succumbed to severe brain injuries following a gruelling title fight in Belfast on February 1, 2025, his promoter confirmed on Saturday. The boxer passed away after a week-long battle for his life.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce John Cooney has passed away,” said Cooney’s promoter, Mark Dunlop, in a heartfelt Instagram post. “After a week of fighting for his life, John has sadly left us. He was a beloved son, brother, and partner, and the loss is immeasurable. Rest in peace, John ‘The Kid’ Cooney.”
The devastating news of Cooney’s death has left fans, colleagues, and the boxing community in shock, as many remember his promising career and the dedication he brought to the sport. The boxer had been defending his Celtic Super-Featherweight title against Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, when the bout was halted in the ninth round. Cooney was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery after it was determined he had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage—bleeding on the brain.
Dunlop expressed his gratitude to the medical team who had worked tirelessly to save Cooney’s life. “John’s family, including his fiancée Emmaleen, would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their unwavering efforts to save him,” Dunlop said in his statement.
Cooney’s tragic passing has left a gaping hole in the boxing world. The Irishman had quickly made a name for himself, winning the Celtic Super-Featherweight title in November 2023 in an impressive victory over Liam Gaynor. However, his journey to the top was not without setbacks, as he had to take almost a year off from boxing due to a hand injury.
Cooney made a victorious return to the ring in October 2024, when he defeated Tampela Maharusi, reigniting the hopes of his fans and securing his position as one of Ireland’s brightest boxing prospects. His undefeated streak and dedication to his craft made his death all the more poignant.
The fatal bout took place at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, a venue with a rich boxing history. Cooney’s defense of his title against Nathan Howells had been a hard-fought battle. The ninth round saw Cooney taking significant damage, prompting the referee to stop the fight. The boxer was immediately taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where his condition quickly worsened.
Dr. Brian McGovern, the lead surgeon who performed the emergency surgery, stated that Cooney’s injuries were severe. “We did everything we could, but unfortunately, the damage was too extensive,” Dr. McGovern said in an interview following the surgery. “It’s a tragic reminder of the risks inherent in this sport.”
The aftermath of the fight left many questioning the safety protocols in place during such high-stakes bouts. With Cooney’s death, the conversation has reignited debates on how to make boxing safer for its fighters. Leading figures in the sport, including former boxers and trainers, have called for increased medical support and stricter regulations regarding head injuries in the ring.
The loss of Cooney has sparked an outpouring of support from the global boxing community. British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who retired as a former world champion, expressed his shock and grief on social media. “What a tragedy to hear of the passing of @jhc_boxing after his bout a few days ago,” Hatton posted on Instagram. “This doesn’t happen often in our sport, but when it does, it’s devastating. My deepest sympathies go out to John’s family.”
Barry McGuigan, the former Irish featherweight champion and prominent promoter, also paid tribute to Cooney. “John was a fine young boxer with so much promise ahead of him,” McGuigan shared in a post on social media. “My thoughts are with his fiancée Emmaleen and his family at this incredibly difficult time. RIP, John.”
The entire Irish boxing community is reeling from the loss, as Cooney was viewed as one of the country’s most talented and promising boxers. Many saw him as the future of Irish boxing, with his dedication, passion, and skill in the ring making him a fan favorite.
The tragic loss of John Cooney serves as a grim reminder of the risks athletes face in contact sports like boxing. Despite increased awareness and safety protocols, fatalities in the sport, although rare, still occur. Experts have long called for better concussion management, stricter regulations, and more comprehensive post-fight medical examinations to protect fighters from catastrophic injuries.
Dr. James McKinley, a sports physician specializing in concussion research, commented on the dangers of head injuries in boxing. “Boxing is unique in that it encourages direct head trauma as part of the sport. While training and equipment have improved, the reality is that these types of injuries remain a serious risk. The death of a young, talented boxer like Cooney should remind us all of the importance of better preventative measures and safety regulations in boxing.”
Fighting organizations, promoters, and boxing regulators have all come under pressure to reassess their practices in light of Cooney’s death. Calls for stricter medical oversight, mandatory brain scans, and enhanced safety protocols are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
