The world of boxing features victories alongside defeats as constants while some events create enduring darkness which remains post-bell time.
The crowd at Ulster Hall in Belfast lined up on February 1, 2025 to see a high-profile boxing event in 2025.
Among the bouts scheduled, the co-main event featured Ireland’s own John “The Kid” Cooney defending his Celtic super-featherweight title against Wales’ Nathan Howells.
Every spectator was filled with excitement because both championship fighters received unwavering support from their respective fans.
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John Cooney used his age of 28 to fight professionally as a boxer from Galway where he scored 11 victories with an undefeated record.
His path toward defending the title showed intense dedication together with determination.
In November 2023 Cooney won the Celtic super-featherweight title through technical knockout against Liam Gaynor which happened in the first round in Dublin.
His victory contained great weight because he recovered from having missed an entire year due to his hand injury.
With his return to ring sports in October 2024 Cooney proved his unchanged skill set by winning through points against Tampela Maharusi at York Hall in London.
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The competition began when Cooney and Howells displayed their fighting abilities alongside determination to take control of the fight.
The fight grew more challenging because both fighters refused to concede their positions.
The rhythm of the bout completely changed towards the end of the ninth round.
The medics at ringside urgently responded when they stopped Cooney in the middle of the fight.
Doctors immediately evaluated him before deciding that his medical crisis required serious attention which led them to stretcher him out to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
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Medical staff found Cooney suffered from an intracranial hemorrhage while examining him at the hospital as this type of skull bleeding results in dangerous brain pressure elevation.
Medical staff performed urgent emergency brain pressure relief surgery before they admitted him to the intensive care unit for continuous monitoring.
People in the boxing world along with fans held their breath by waiting for any good news regarding Cooney’s medical condition as the days passed.
Supportive messages flowed to Cooney from every corner of the globe as people paid tribute to his courageous nature and wished for his recovery.
The medical staff dedicated themselves to John Cooney’s recovery but ultimately he made his final exit.
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Mark Dunlop from Cooney’s promotional company announced on February 8th 2025 through a statement that represented both the Cooney family and Emmaleen along with his fiancée.
“After a week of battling for his life, John Cooney has sadly passed away,” the statement read.
He was cherished by everyone as a son, brother and partner so we will need a complete lifetime to forget his exceptional nature. RIP John ‘The Kid’ Cooney.”
The entire boxing community experienced a reaction to this announcement.
Barry McGuigan from his professional boxing career paid tribute to Cooney by describing him as “a lovely sweet kid.” Ambitious, determined, and driven. Victim’s sudden death at that moment brings only tragedy to the world.
John Cooney’s premature death mirrors all the dangers that come with participating in boxing competitions.
The courage and skills demonstrated by boxers highlight the need for continuous implementation of safety improvements inside the boxing ring.
Boxing mourns one of its hopeful prospects and experts will likely escalate dialogue regarding how to blend traditional athletic practices with participant welfare.
In remembering John “The Kid” Cooney, fans and fellow boxers alike honor not only his achievements within the squared circle but also the passion and dedication he brought to the sport he loved.
The spirit with which he lived his boxing career will serve as inspiration for younger fighters to strive towards their dreams with the same strong dedication.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/ @jhc_boxing)