The boxing world mourns the loss of John Cooney. The 28-year-old Irishman succumbed to a serious head injury sustained in his last fight against Nathan Howells in Belfast.
John Cooney wanted to defend his “Celtic” super featherweight title in a duel with Nathan Howells, but was repeatedly hit hard. The fight was stopped in the ninth round and Cooney was immediately taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital. There the doctors diagnosed a brain haemorrhage, whereupon he underwent emergency surgery. Despite intensive treatment in intensive care, he lost the fight for his life a week later.
His manager Mark Dunlop shared the sad news, saying: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that John Cooney has sadly passed away after a week of fighting for his life.” The sympathy is great. Family, friends and the boxing community mourn the loss of a much-loved sportsman, son, brother and partner. “He was just a lovely lad,” former world boxing champion Barry McGuigan told the BBC. “It’s shocking, sad and heartbreaking.” A fundraising campaign has been set up to support the bereaved family of the late boxer at this difficult time.
Text by Robin Josten