Galway’s John Cooney underwent surgery in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital last week on a brain bleed, after he was stopped in the ninth round of his Celtic super-featherweight title defence at the Ulster Hall

Saturday 8 February 2025 19:22, UK

Image: John Cooney died at the age of 28

Irish boxer John Cooney has died a week after his Celtic super-featherweight title fight at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

Cooney, 28, 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.

“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,” read the post.

“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.

“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’.”

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Cooney won the Celtic super-featherweight title 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.