Irish Boxer John Cooney Dies at 28 Following Emergency Brain Surgery After Belfast Title Fight as Tributes Pour In

Tragic Death of Boxer John Cooney Sparks Tributes and Safety Concerns
By Adrian Bishop
Published: February 8, 2025 | Updated: February 9, 2025

Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney, 28, has died following a brain injury sustained during his Celtic title defense against Nathan Howells in Belfast last weekend. The bout, held at Ulster Hall, ended in the ninth round after Cooney suffered an intracranial hemorrhage. He was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital but succumbed to his injuries after a week in intensive care.

Cooney (pictured) was defending his Celtic super-featherweight title when the tragedy occurred.

A Promising Career Cut Short
Cooney, known as “The Kid,” held an 11-1 record with three knockouts. He won the Celtic title in November 2023 but faced setbacks due to a hand injury that sidelined him for a year. His final fight marked his return to the ring after a recovery victory in October 2024.

MHD Promotions, representing Cooney’s family, expressed profound grief: “John was a beloved son, brother, and fiancé. We thank the hospital staff and the public for their support during this impossible time.”

Opponent’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Howells, Cooney’s opponent, shared an emotional Instagram post: “The worst has happened… My thoughts are with his family.” The boxing community rallied behind both fighters, emphasizing the sport’s risks.

Tributes flooded social media, including from Matchroom Boxing, which called Cooney’s death “deeply saddening.”

Community Support and Reflection
A GoFundMe for Cooney’s family raised over £46,000, including a £20,000 donation from UFC star Conor McGregor. A ten-bell tribute honored Cooney and late matchmaker Jimmy Gill at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena during Derek Chisora’s fight night.

Cooney’s resilience and determination defined his career, inspiring fans worldwide.

The tragedy reignited debates about boxing safety protocols. Cooney’s passing underscores the fragility of life in combat sports, leaving a lasting impact on athletes and supporters alike.

Rest in peace, John “The Kid” Cooney (1996–2025).

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