Irish boxer John Cooney dies aged 28 following Belfast fight

The Galway native had surgery on his brain a week ago.

Cooney was stopped in the ninth round of his fight against Welshman Nathan Howells on February 1 and was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery on a brain bleed and was admitted to intensive care.

His promotors, MHD Promotions, announced via social media on Saturday that he had passed away.

Devastating to have to release this sad news tonight on behalf of the Cooney family… pic.twitter.com/RyKKAZvQkN

— Mark H Dunlop (@MARKHDUNLOP) February 8, 2025

The statement read: "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.

"Mr & 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 supports and prayers."

It continued: "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'."

Cooney became the Celtic super-featherweight champion with a first-round victory over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, part of the same sell-out show that saw Katie Taylor defeat Chantelle Cameron by majority decision.

He spent a year out of the ring with a hand injury but returned to defeat Tampela Maharusi at York Hall in October, before his fight again last week.

Icons from the world of boxing have been paying tribute to the young Irishman on social media.

Ricky Hatton wrote on Instagram: "What a tragedy to hear of the passing of boxer John Cooney after his bout a few days ago. This doesn’t happen to often in our sport but when it does it's so terrible,and it reminds us to live everyday as if it’s your last. My love & best wishes are with John & his family."

Barry McGuigan posted on X: "Such a tragedy to lose this fine young boxer John Cooney. I send my family and my deepest sympathies to John’s fiancée Emmaleen and his parents and his family."

A ten-bell toll tribute to Cooney rung out at the Co-Op Arena in Manchester last night in the lead-up to the heavyweight clash between Derek Chisora and Otto Wallin.

A ten-bell toll for John Cooney and Jimmy Gill here in Manchester 🕊️#ChisoraWallin | LIVE on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/EUsZosRL0D

— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) February 8, 2025