John Cooney's Promising Boxing Career
John Cooney, known in the ring as 'The Kid', was a rising star in the boxing world. The 28-year-old Irish boxer had been on a noteworthy career path with an almost spotless record. Just before the ill-fated title defense, Cooney's professional achievements included ten wins and a single loss. Notably, he clinched the Celtic super-featherweight title in November 2023 by defeating Liam Gaynor with an exhilarating knockout.
His journey wasn't always smooth. After claiming the title, Cooney faced a setback due to a hand injury which temporarily sidelined him. However, driven by passion and resilience, he came back strong in October 2024 with an impressive victory over Tampela Maharusi in London. This comeback highlighted his dedication and tenacity, traits that endeared him to fans across Ireland and beyond.
The Fight and its Aftermath
On February 1, 2025, at Belfast's iconic Ulster Hall, Cooney faced Welsh boxer Nathan Howells. It was a highly anticipated bout, drawing attention from boxing enthusiasts eager to see Cooney defend his title. The match took a tragic turn in the ninth round when Cooney was stopped. Recognizing the severity of the situation, medics intervened immediately, and he was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
There, Cooney underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain caused by an intracranial hemorrhage. Despite the valiant efforts by the medical team, Cooney's condition remained critical, and he was taken care of in intensive care for a week. Heartbreakingly, he was declared dead just after 8 pm on February 8, 2025.
His passing brings attention to a larger conversation within the sports world about the inherent dangers of boxing. His promoter, Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions, expressed deep gratitude to the hospital staff for their relentless efforts and extended thanks to fans for their unwavering support. Cooney's loved ones remember him fondly as a dedicated son, brother, and partner.
Intriguingly, Cooney's former opponent, Liam Gaynor, had recently retired owing to concerns over brain scans, which further emphasizes the persistent debate surrounding boxing safety protocols. Cooney's untimely death reignites these discussions, compelling the sports community to assess the balance between thrill and safety in contact sports.
February 9 2025 0
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