A 28-year-old boxer has sadly passed away a week after he sustained a brain injury during a title fight.
John Cooney’s management company, MHD Promotions, confirmed his death on social media on Saturday, February 8.
The announcement came just days after a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to support his medical treatment following an intracranial hemorrhage.
“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,” MHD Promotions stated. “He was a much-loved son, brother, and partner, and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was.”
The company also expressed gratitude on behalf of Cooney’s parents and fiancée, Emmaleen, to the staff at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for their efforts in trying to save his life. They also thanked those who had sent messages of support and prayers.
“RIP John ‘The Kid’ Cooney,” the statement concluded. “Funeral details to follow.”
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 February 1.
According to his BoxRec biography, he was knocked down in the ninth round and was taken to the hospital immediately after the fight.
At the hospital, doctors discovered that Cooney had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage and performed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, according to a statement from his promoter, Mark Dunlop.
Boxer Nathan Howells later shared the statement on Instagram.
“John is currently in the intensive care unit,” the February 3 statement read, “and in the capable hands of the hospital ICU team.”
Following news of Cooney’s passing, Howells expressed his condolences in an Instagram post: “Just had the news that the worst has happened. Thoughts are with his family and friends, sorry for your [loss].”
The BBBofC has not yet issued a statement regarding Cooney’s passing.
A GoFundMe campaign that was initially set up to support Cooney’s medical expenses has since raised £49,000 (approximately $60,700).
The funds will now be directed to his family to assist them during this difficult time. The campaign gained the attention of Irish MMA star Conor McGregor, who contributed £20,000 (about $24,800) to the fundraiser.
Our thoughts are with Cooney’s loved ones during this difficult time.