Irish boxer John Cooney has died per week after being taken into intensive care following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast. The demise of the 28-year-old Cooney was introduced on Saturday in a press release revealed by his promoter Mark Dunlop on behalf of the Cooney household and his fiancee Emmaleen.
“After per week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly handed away,” the assertion mentioned. “He was a a lot cherished son, brother and associate and it’ll take us all a lifetime to overlook how particular he was. RIP John the Child’ Cooney.” Cooney’s combat with Howells was stopped within the ninth spherical at Ulster Corridor. Cooney subsequently underwent surgical procedure after it was found he had an intracranial hemorrhage.
“Mr. and Mrs. Cooney and his fiancee Emmaleen want to thank the workers at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who’ve labored tirelessly to save lots of John’s life and for everybody who has despatched messages of help and prayers,” the assertion mentioned.
Reactions to the information
Former Olympic Champion Audley Harrison wrote on X: “Saddened to learn the information that boxing has misplaced one other warrior – sending my condolences to his household and associates. He sadly has mind surgical procedure after his bout final week, and didn’t make it. This can be a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices boxers placed on the road, each time we step into the ring.”
Former world champion Barry McGuigan was quoted as saying by BBC: “Terrifying that this might occur to a 28-year-old child who regarded within the prime of his life. It’s simply onerous to imagine it. To have his life snapped away like that’s simply tragic.”
The bout with Welsh boxer Howells was Cooney’s first protection of the Celtic super-featherweight title.
Cooney received the title with a win over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, however spent a yr out of the ring with a hand harm. He returned in October with a victory over Tampela Maharusi.
“He was only a beautiful child,” former boxing world champion Barry McGuigan informed BBC Radio 5 Dwell. “It’s surprising and unhappy and heartbreaking.”
(With AP inputs)
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