Irish boxer John Cooney has tragically died at 28 from a brain injury sustained during a match, leaving a grieving community shocked and mourning the loss of a promising athlete.

Cooney's death follows a serious brain injury he sustained during his first Celtic super-featherweight title defense against Welshman Nathan Howells, which ended in the ninth round. After undergoing surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage, he fought for his life in intensive care for a week before succumbing to his injuries. His loss is a haunting reminder of the risks athletes face in contact sports, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the boxing community and raising concerns about player safety.

Cooney was a rising star in the world of boxing, having secured the Celtic super-featherweight title in November 2023 against Liam Gaynor. Unfortunately, Cooney died at the age of 28 from a brain injury sustained during a boxing match. His last fight was a title defense against Welshman Nathan Howells, where he was stopped in the ninth round.

The match against Howells took a devastating turn when Cooney was stopped in the ninth round. Witnesses reported a sudden change in the atmosphere as it became apparent that something was seriously wrong. Following the fight, medical personnel rushed Cooney to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, where he was diagnosed with an intracranial haemorrhage. Despite immediate surgical intervention, his condition remained critical as he was placed in intensive care.

The announcement of Cooney's death was made by his promoter, Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions, who shared the news on social media. Dunlop expressed his devastation and the profound sense of loss felt by those close to Cooney. He referred to Cooney as a 'much loved son, brother, and partner,' revealing the deep personal connections that were impacted by this tragedy. The heartfelt statement resonated with many who had come to know Cooney through his boxing career and personal life.

As news of Cooney's passing spread, tributes began to pour in from fellow boxers and fans. Many took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Cooney, emphasizing not only his talent but also the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the boxing community. Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan described Cooney as a 'fine young boxer' and remembered him as someone who had a bright future ahead in the sport.

Safety in boxing has long been a contentious issue, and Cooney's death has ignited further discussions on the measures in place to protect athletes. While boxing is inherently risky, questions are now being raised about safety protocols during fights, medical exams before matches, and the support provided to boxers after incurring serious injuries. The Boxing Board of Control and other governing bodies are expected to review current regulations and consider implementing stricter guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The loss of John Cooney serves as a sobering reminder of the physical and mental toll that boxing can exert on its athletes. Advocacy groups and industry leaders may see this as an urgent cue to enhance safety measures in all levels of the sport. Discussions about retired athletes’ health, ongoing medical support, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs are also likely to be revisited in light of Cooney's untimely passing.

In the wake of this tragedy, there is a call for increased awareness and education around the dangers posed to fighters in contact sports. Initiatives aimed at improving athlete welfare are being advocated by various stakeholders, ensuring that the memory of John Cooney plants seeds for positive change in the boxing profession. As the boxing community continues to mourn his loss, many hope that Cooney's story will lead to a future where enhanced safety measures can prevent such devastating outcomes.