Super-featherweight boxer John Cooney has died at 28 after suffering a brain injury during his defeat by Nathan Howells in Belfast last Saturday.
Cooney, from Clarinbridge, lost his first professional fight on Saturday after he suffered a devastating ninth-round stoppage while defending his Celtic super-featherweight title.
The 28-year-old boxer was assessed by the onsite medical team in the ring before being taken out on a stretcher and transferred to Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast.
Cooney had suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and he underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. He remained in a critical condition in the hospital's intensive care unit before his death.
The Galway fighter’s death was announced by MHD Promotions on behalf of his family, a statement said: "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 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.
"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."
Howells had released a statement earlier in the week praying for Cooney to make a recovery from his injury.
It read: "I know a few of my lot have been asking about John and I've been waiting to hear myself. I haven't heard anything yet but here's the latest update from the promoter.
"Genuinely never wanted for any of this to happen, I just went out there to box. I wish nothing but the very best for John and his family and hope he comes home safe and sound. I don't actually know him myself, but he seems like a really respectful and nice man.
"What I do know is he's a fit and strong young man and he can beat this and come out the other side. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and he will forever have my respect. We shared a ring together and the boy never once quit or looked for a way out. Get well soon mate - all the best."
Barry McGuigan also spoke of his hope for Cooney to make a recovery. McGuigan told the Irish Mirror: "I was devastated to hear about this young man’s injury. Unfortunately from time to time professional boxing throws up these types of tragedies.
"My heart goes out to young John Cooney and his family and I pray that the next crucial few days brings him closer to recovery."
Cooney won the Celtic title with a first-round win over Liam Gaynor in November 2023 on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s victory over Chantelle Cameron in the sold-out 3Arena in Dublin.
He had spent a year out of the ring recovering from a hand injury before returning to beat Tanzania’s Tampela Maharusi in October 2024 in London. Cooney’s defeat against Howells was his only loss in his career.
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