Irish super -spring boxer John Cooney has died at the age of 28 after suffering a brain injury during his Celtic title defense match against Welsh opponent Nathan Howells last week, his promoter announced on Saturday.
“It is with complete destruction that we have to announce that after a week’s struggle for his life, John Cooney said,” said Mark Dunlop of MHD campaigns on social media.
The 28-year-old had been in the hospital in Belfast after surgery.
In a previous statement, Cooney’s promoter Mark Dunlop had said: ‘After John Cooney’s epic title match in Ulster Hall on Saturday night, Josh was assessed by the medical team on site in the British Boxing Board of Control and quickly taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for further treatment.
“Upon arrival at RVH, it was discovered that John had an intercranial bleeding and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.
He had left the ring on a stretcher after last Saturday match in the city’s Ulster Hall was stopped in the ninth round.
“Such a tragedy that loses this fine young boxer,” said former Featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan.
