New Delhi: Irish boxer John Cooney has succumbed to the injuries suffered on his head during a bout a week ago, his promoter has announced.
The 28-year-old was admitted in intensive care unit of a hospital after suffering intracranial haemorrhage during his bout with Nathan Howells. Cooney lost to the super-featherweight fight in Belfast on February 1.
The bout had to be stopped in the ninth round after Cooney suffered injuries and was subsequently operated on in his defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title at the Ulster Hall.
Cooney had won the title with a victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023 but then was forced to be on the sidelines with a hand injury. He returned in October with a victory over Tampela Maharusi.
‘Devastated’
“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,” Cooney’s promoter Mark Dunlop said a statement issued on behalf of the boxer’s family and fiancee Emmaleen.
“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.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Cooney and his fiancee 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,” the statement said.
“He was just a lovely kid. It’s shocking and sad and heartbreaking,” former world champion Barry McGuigan told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Cooney’s management company MHD Promotions had launched a GoFundMe fundraiser four days ago as he battled for his life in the hospital after undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
After his bout was stopped, Cooney was assessed by the medical team in the ring before being transferred to a hospital in Belfast.
“The WBC and its president Mauricio Sulaiman, send our deepest condolences and wishes of a prompt resignation to John’s family and friends. Rest in Peace,” World Boxing Council said in a statement.
John Cooney’s bout with Nathan Howells was stopped in the ninth round and the Irishman was rushed a hospital in Belfasr after suffering intracranial haemorrhage. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
