John Cooney, a 28-year-old Irish boxer died tragically on 8 February 2025 after suffering a severe brain injury that occurred in a match on 1 February 2025.
The match occurred in Ulster Hall in Belfast for the title of super-featherweight against Nathan Howells. The game was stopped in the ninth round and he was attended by the ringside medical team after which he was immediately sent to the hospital for surgery as it was discovered he had suffered from an intracranial haemorrhage.
Cooney underwent an emergency surgery but sadly passed away on Saturday. His promoter, Mark Dunlop, released an official statement on behalf of his family and fiancee, “After a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away. 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”.
As we remember John, let’s come together to honour the incredible achievements of John Cooney.
John Cooney: A Tribute To His Unforgettable Spirit
John Cooney was popularly known as “The Kid” because of his outstanding achievements at such a young age. He was best known for his southpaw stance and a height of 5’6 (169cm). Details about his family and childhood remain private but it’s evident that his passion for boxing had been in development since he was a child.
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He debuted his career on 20 November 2020 with a victory over Cristian Abata in Spain. This win set the tone for the rest of his career.
He maintained an undefeated streak of victories across Europe. He achieved his first knockout in Belgium on 28 March 2021.
John Cooney bagged his first Celtic super-featherweight title in 2023 against Liam Gaynor which was a significant milestone in his career.
Due to a hand injury, he took a year off and retired in October 2024 with another victory in London. His short-lived career consists of 11 wins and 1 loss which is truly one of the most impressive records in the game.
John Cooney: Gone But Not Forgotten
He was a defending champion of the Celtic championship this year, but his career was cut short as he suffered injuries after a knock-out by Nathan Howells. Nonetheless, he is an inspiration to those who want to pursue a career in boxing. He was known for his humility and dedication. He will continue to remind us of the transient nature of life and will not be forgotten. The entire boxing community is saddened by the news, and several former World Champions have come up to share their thoughts.
Conrad Cummings, the two-time WBO European champion shared, “He was a tough man, he gave it his all every time. I think he was 11 in a row undefeated before that fight,”.
“I’m personally heartbroken for his beautiful fiancée that he’s left behind and his family, I can’t begin to even imagine the heartbreak and pain they must be going through,” he added.
Also Read: National Games 2025: Athletes Who Made It Big In Boxing
