BELFAST, Northern Ireland — The boxing community is mourning the loss of Irish boxer John Cooney, who passed away just a week after entering intensive care due to injuries sustained during his Celtic super-featherweight title loss to Nathan Howells. The announcement of the 28-year-old’s death was shared on Saturday through a statement from his promoter Mark Dunlop, which was issued on behalf of the Cooney family and his fiancée, Emmaleen.

“After a week of fighting for his life, John Cooney has sadly passed away,” the statement read. “He was a beloved son, brother, and partner, and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘the Kid’ Cooney.”

During the fight at Ulster Hall, Cooney’s bout against Howells was halted in the ninth round, leading to further medical concerns. Following the match, he underwent surgery after doctors identified an intracranial hemorrhage.

The Cooney family expressed their gratitude for the support they received, stating, “Mr. and Mrs. Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for their relentless efforts to save John’s life, as well as everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.”

This bout with Welsh fighter Howells marked Cooney’s first attempt to defend the Celtic super-featherweight title, which he had won just months prior in November 2022 against Liam Gaynor in Dublin. Cooney had taken a hiatus from the sport due to a hand injury and made his comeback in October 2023 with a win over Tampela Maharusi.

Former boxing champion Barry McGuigan spoke fondly of Cooney, describing him as “just a lovely kid” during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s shocking, sad, and heartbreaking,” he added, reflecting the profound loss felt across the sports community.