Irish boxer John Cooney has died at the age of 28, just a week after suffering severe injuries during his Celtic super-featherweight title fight against Welshman Nathan Howells. His plight began when he was taken to intensive care following his defeat on February 1st at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, where he sustained an intracranial hemorrhage. This significant medical condition led to surgery and subsequently prolonged hospital care, but ultimately, he was announced dead in a statement released by his promoter, Mark Dunlop, representing Cooney's family and his fiancée, Emmaleen.

The tragic news was confirmed in a heartfelt message stating that Cooney had battled for his life throughout the week. The family expressed deep gratitude toward the medical personnel at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital for their relentless efforts. "He was a much-loved son, brother, and partner," the family stated, mourning his loss deeply and emphasizing how his life would be remembered by those who knew him.

This bout was Cooney's first defense of the Celtic super-featherweight title, which he secured with a victory over Liam Gaynor in November 2023. Reflecting on his untimely passing, former world champion Barry McGuigan lamented, “It’s shocking and sad and heartbreaking,” highlighting the broader dangers faced by boxers. Cooney's fight was stopped in the ninth round after concerns arose about his health.

Sadly, Cooney's death marks a troubling trend within the sport, as he is at least the sixth boxer to die from injuries incurred during matches within the past year. Other fatalities include Fiji boxer Ubayd Haider, who tragically passed after collapsing in the ring last November, as well as several others suffering similar fates across the globe, indicating a pressing need for safety and reform in combat sports. Boxing continues to grapple with ensuring adequate medical oversight and safety measures to protect fighters as the risks inherent in the sport remain stark.

For more details, refer to the full article on The Guardian, AP News, and BBC.