Boxing community ‘devastated’ by fighter’s death

Following his death a week after a title fight in Belfast, the boxing community has been paying tribute to him.

Following his defeat in a title fight in Belfast last weekend, Cooney, a County Galway native, was taken to a hospital with a brain injury.

The death of the 28 year old was confirmed on Saturday, seven days after the contest.

Former double WBO European champion Conrad Cummings said Cooney’s fellow boxers were “absolutely devastated” by his death.

“I’m personally heartbroken for his beautiful fiancée that he’s left behind and his family,” he said.

“I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and heartache they must be experiencing.” “

On Saturday, February 1, 2017, Cooney was attempting to defend his Celtic super-featherweight title against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast’s Ulster Hall.

Cooney lost the game after the ninth round was ended.

Before being transferred to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, he had his medical evaluation in the ring.

Later, his promoter said he needed surgery to relieve pressure in his brain and that he had an intracranial hemorrhage.

Cooney was then treated in intensive care for several days and his loved ones paid tribute to the hospital staff who tried to save his life.

Conrad Cummings described his death as a “tragic incident” that demonstrated how dangerous the game can be.

“He was a tough man, he gave it his all every time. I think he was 11 in a row undefeated before that fight,” he said.

Cummings described Cooney as a “warrior” in the ring but a “nice and quiet young man” who was humble and untrained in “silly talk.”

He claimed that Cooney could “go on to great things” in the sport and that his fellow competitors would miss him a lot.

The British Boxing Board of Control, the country’s governing body for professional boxing, expressed its “deep sadness” at learning about John Cooney’s tragic passing.

At this most difficult time, John’s family and friends are in our thoughts and condolences, according to a statement on X.

Northern Ireland’s sports minister, Gordon Lyons, said on Sunday: “My thoughts are with John’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.

A statement from the Ulster Hall, said: “We’re sending heartfelt condolences to John Cooney’s family and friends and the wider boxing community.

Belfast boxer Anto Cacace, the IBF world super-featherweight champion, told BBC News NI that Cooney was a “credit to the sport of boxing”.

He had a lot of talent and was a young boxing star in both the Irish and British markets.

Tributes were also paid from Cooney’s native city.

In a statement, Galway Amateur Boxing Association said the announcement of his death was “the worst possible news” following a “torturous week” in hospital.

There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of this tragedy or his family’s grief.