Brian Lawless/PA WireThe boxing community has been paying tribute to super-featherweight fighter John Cooney following his death a week after a title fight in Belfast.
Cooney, from County Galway, was stretchered off to hospital with a brain injury following his defeat in a title bout in Belfast last weekend.
The death of the 28 year old was confirmed on Saturday, seven days after the contest.
Former WBC Heavyweight champion Frank Bruno described it as “a sad day for boxing”.
‘A warrior’
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 begin to even imagine the heartbreak and pain they must be going through.”
Cummings told BBC News NI he had met the young fighter a number of times and admired him.
Cooney was attempting to defend his Celtic super-featherweight title against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Saturday 1 February.
The contest was stopped in the ninth round and ended in defeat for Cooney.
He was assessed by the onsite medical team in the ring before being transferred to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
His promoter later confirmed he had suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and needed an operation to relieve pressure on his brain.
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 said his death was a “tragic incident” which had highlighted how dangerous the sport 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” in person who was humble and not into “silly talk”.
He said Cooney had the potential to “go on to big things” in the sport and he would be very much missed by his fellow fighters.
“It’s a big blow to the boxing community and he’ll be remembered greatly for the champ that he was.”
‘Up-and-coming star’
The governing body of professional boxing in the UK, the British Boxing Board of Control said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of John Cooney”
“We send our thoughts and condolences to John’s family and friends at this most difficult time,” it said on statement on X.
Frank Bruno also expressed his condolences with a brief statement on social media, accompanied by a photo of Cooney in the ring.
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On Sunday, Northern Ireland Sports Minister Gordon Lyons said: “My thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all those in the boxing world who knew and loved him.
“This was a tragic event and I want to commend the quick actions of the medical team at the Ulster Hall and the work of staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital.”
A statement from the Ulster Hall, said: “We’re sending heartfelt condolences to John Cooney’s family and friends and the wider boxing community.
“A devastating outcome for this young sportsman and all those around him.”
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 was an up-and-coming star on the Irish and British boxing scene with talent in abundance.
“My deepest condolences go out to his family and my heart breaks for them at this very sad and tragic time.”
‘He will never be forgotten’
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 to convey the magnitude of this tragedy or that can lessen the grief of his family.
A shining prospect and a young man loved by all that knew him; his loss will be mourned by all and he will never be forgotten.”
