The world of boxing has been left devastated following the untimely death of Irish boxer John Cooney, aged 28, who passed away on February 8, 2025. Cooney’s death came a week after he sustained a brain injury during his Celtic super-featherweight title defense against Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. The tragic event has cast a shadow over the boxing community, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the sport in recognition of his talent, determination, and the loss of a promising young athlete.
The bout between Cooney and Howells, which took place on February 1, 2025, was an intense and hard-fought contest. However, the fight was halted in the ninth round when Cooney, who had been competing fiercely, appeared to suffer a significant injury. The ringside medical team quickly attended to him, and it was determined that Cooney had suffered a brain injury. He was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he underwent surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage. Despite the efforts of the medical team, Cooney remained in intensive care, and tragically, he passed away a week later.
The news of Cooney’s death has shaken both the boxing world and his home country of Ireland. His family, in their time of immense grief, expressed their heartfelt thanks to the hospital staff for their tireless efforts to save him. The family’s grief was compounded by the loss of someone who was not only a talented athlete but also a beloved son, brother, and friend. To support Cooney’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, which raised an impressive £47,000, including a significant £20,000 contribution from Irish boxing superstar Conor McGregor.
Cooney’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from prominent figures in the boxing world, who have reflected on his potential, his fighting spirit, and the legacy he leaves behind. Former world champion Barry McGuigan, Olympic medalist Michael Conlan, and British heavyweight Frank Bruno were among those who paid tribute to Cooney, highlighting the enormous loss to the sport. The general sentiment within the boxing community is one of profound sorrow, with many emphasizing that Cooney was a fighter with a bright future who tragically had that future taken from him too soon.
John Cooney’s career had been filled with promise and excitement. Cooney had secured the Celtic super-featherweight title in November 2023, a victory that positioned him as a rising star in the sport. Known for his all-action fighting style and relentless determination, Cooney was admired by both fans and fellow fighters alike. He had aspirations to pursue more titles and had the potential to carve out a significant career in the sport. His dedication to boxing and his passion for the sport were evident in every fight he participated in.
For Cooney, boxing was more than just a career—it was a calling. His fans and supporters followed his journey closely, witnessing his growth as a fighter and the promise he showed with each victory. His death serves as a tragic reminder of the inherent risks that come with being a professional boxer. The sport, with all its excitement and glory, carries with it the potential for unforeseen dangers, and the tragic loss of John Cooney underscores the heavy toll the sport can sometimes exact.
Cooney’s family and friends have expressed their immense sorrow over the loss of a man who was not only a warrior in the ring but also a kind and caring individual outside of it. Those who knew him best described him as a humble and down-to-earth person, someone who always put others first and was dedicated to supporting his loved ones. In his final moments, Cooney showed the same strength and courage that defined his boxing career, a testament to the kind of person he was.
As the boxing community processes the loss of John Cooney, many have taken a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that fighters make in the name of their sport. While the public often sees the glory of the ring—the victories, the titles, the adulation—it is easy to forget the physical and emotional toll that the sport can take on a fighter. For John Cooney, boxing was a way of life, and it is devastating to see his journey come to such a tragic end.
Tributes to Cooney continue to pour in, with many recalling his contributions to the sport and the impact he had on those around him. Fellow fighters have paid their respects, offering condolences to his family and praising his dedication, heart, and talent. Cooney’s potential as a fighter was immense, and he was well on his way to achieving greater things in his career before his life was tragically cut short. His family, friends, and fans are left to honor his memory, remembering him not only as a boxer but as a man who gave everything he had to the sport he loved.
Cooney’s passing also brings attention to the need for continued safety measures in boxing. While steps have been taken over the years to improve the safety of fighters, the inherent dangers of the sport remain, and every loss like Cooney’s serves as a reminder of the risks involved. The boxing community is left to reflect on what can be done to better protect fighters while preserving the integrity and excitement of the sport.
Despite the sorrow that surrounds his untimely death, John Cooney’s legacy will live on. His fight for success, his love for boxing, and the inspiration he brought to so many will not be forgotten. As the boxing world continues to mourn, they will remember him for his passion, his commitment, and the fight he gave in and out of the ring.
May John Cooney’s memory continue to inspire future generations of boxers, reminding them of the dedication and sacrifice required to succeed in the sport. The boxing community has lost a bright talent, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who admired him.
