In a tragic turn of events, professional boxer John Cooney has passed away at the age of 28 following complications from a brain injury sustained during a super featherweight title match in Belfast last Saturday.
The Galway, Ireland native was transported to Royal Victoria Hospital after his ninth-round bout against Nathan Howells. Medical staff discovered Cooney had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, requiring immediate surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. He was subsequently placed in intensive care, where he remained under close medical supervision.
Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s manager, released a statement on behalf of the family confirming the devastating news. “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,” Dunlop said.
The statement continued, “Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée 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.”
Remembering the young athlete, Dunlop added, “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.”
The boxing community has been left mourning the loss of the promising young athlete, with tributes pouring in from fellow competitors, fans, and sports figures across Ireland and beyond.
