John “The Kid” Cooney, a rising star in the super-featherweight division, has tragically passed away at the age of 28, just a week after sustaining a severe brain injury during a championship fight.
MHD Promotions, Cooney’s management company, confirmed the devastating news on Saturday, Feb. 8, through a heartfelt social media statement.
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,” the statement read. “He was a much-loved son, brother, and partner, and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was.
Cooney’s parents and fiancée, Emmaleen, expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for their tireless efforts to save him, as well as to those who sent messages of support.
The fight that changed everything
Cooney suffered the fatal injury during a British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) Celtic Super Featherweight title fight against Nathan Howells at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Feb. 1. After going down in the ninth round, he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered he had an intracranial hemorrhage. Emergency surgery was performed to relieve pressure on his brain, but despite medical intervention, he remained in critical condition until his passing.
His promoter, Mark Dunlop, shared a statement on Feb. 3 revealing that Cooney was in the intensive care unit under the care of a dedicated medical team. Meanwhile, Howells, who won the championship that night, posted on Instagram expressing his sorrow over the situation.
I genuinely never wanted for any of this to happen just went out there to box,” Howells wrote on Feb. 3. Following Cooney’s death, he added, “Just had the news that the worst has happened. Thoughts are with his family and friends. Sorry for your loss.
Outpouring of support
A GoFundMe page was initially set up to support Cooney’s medical expenses but will now assist his family following his untimely passing. The fundraiser has collected £47,000 (approximately $58,300), with a notable £20,000 ($24,800) donation from Irish boxing icon Conor McGregor.
Funeral details for John Cooney will be announced in the coming days as the boxing community mourns the loss of one of its brightest prospects.
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