Irish boxer John Cooney died on February 8th, 2025, following his Celtic super-featherweight title defense in Belfast, becoming the sixth professional boxer to die from fight-related injuries in the past year, intensifying concerns about safety measures within the sport.
The death of the 28-year-old fighter was announced Saturday in a statement by his promoter, Mark Dunlop, speaking on behalf of the Cooney family and his fiancee Emmaleen. The boxer had spent a week in intensive care at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital following his bout against Welsh challenger Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall.
The statement announced the death of John Cooney after a week-long health battle. The announcement included a touching tribute: “He was a much-loved son, brother, and partner, and it will take us a lifetime to forget how special he was.” He was known as “John ‘the Kid’ Cooney.”
Shaken by the news, former boxing world champion Barry McGuigan told BBC Radio 5 Live, “He was just a lovely kid. It’s shocking, sad, and heartbreaking.”
In a development that speaks to Cooney’s character and legacy, his family revealed Sunday that his organs would be donated to help others. “Mr. and Mrs. Cooney take great solace in knowing that the untimely loss of John will now help the lives of others,” stated Dunlop, adding that Cooney “lived and died chasing his dream.”
The fatal bout, which was stopped in the ninth round, led to the discovery of an intracranial hemorrhage requiring emergency surgery. Despite the medical team’s tireless efforts, Cooney could not be saved. His family expressed gratitude to the hospital staff “who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.”
Cooney’s journey in the ring had shown promising momentum before the tragedy. After winning the Celtic super-featherweight title against Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, he had taken a year-long hiatus due to a hand injury. His October comeback victory over Tampela Maharusi had set the stage for what many believed would be a successful title defense.
The alarming frequency of ring-related deaths compounds the boxing community’s grief in recent months.
In November 2024, Fiji boxer Ubayd Haider died more than two weeks after collapsing following a super featherweight title fight against Australia-based Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou.
July 2024 saw the tragic loss of Lemuel Silisia, who succumbed to head injuries days after his maiden title bout in New South Wales.
British boxer Sherif Lawal’s life was cut short in May 2024 during his professional debut in London.
A month earlier, 27-year-old heavyweight Ardi Ndembo died in Miami three weeks after a knockout led to an induced coma.
The string of fatalities began with Japanese boxer Kazuki Anaguchi, who died in February 2024 from a subdural hematoma sustained during a Tokyo match.
The British Boxing Board of Control has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cooney’s final fight, though preliminary reports indicate all standard safety protocols were followed. The World Boxing Council and International Boxing Association have announced emergency meetings to review and potentially enhance current safety measures.
Medical experts call for stricter neurological screening protocols and mandatory rest periods between bouts. The Professional Boxers’ Association has established a memorial fund in Cooney’s name to support his family and initiatives for improved fighter safety.
A memorial service for Cooney will be held in Belfast, with details pending, as the family requests privacy during this difficult time.