Irish boxer John Cooney has died a week after his fight with Welshman Nathan Howells.

Cooney, 28, suffered an intracranial haemorrhage in the bout at the Ulster Hall and underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain at a Belfast hospital. The Galway boxer was taken straight to hospital after he was stopped in the ninth round of the fight.

But unfortunately he passed away on Saturday. In a statement on behalf of the Cooney family, MHD Promotions 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.”

Cooney was making the first defence of the Celtic super-featherweight title against Howells. It was his first defeat in what was his 12th and final fight.

The Galway boxer, who was born in London, trained in Manchester during his professional career.
Cooney underwent surgery during the week as doctors battled to keep the boxer alive but they were unable to despite their tireless efforts.

Cooney won the Celtic title with a first-round win over Liam Gaynor in November 2023 on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s rematch win over Chantelle Cameron in Dublin.

Howells was in his 13th professional fight as he won the Celtic title after a career of one defeat and one draw. He released a statement earlier this week praying for Cooney to make a recovery.

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.”

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