Tragic Turn for Boxer John Cooney after Title Bout Setback

Super-featherweight contender John Cooney finds himself in a battle for life following a heart-wrenching defeat against Welsh challenger Nathan Howells in Belfast.

In a tense match held at the Ulster Hall, Cooney's title defence of the Celtic super-featherweight crown was abruptly halted in the ninth round. The 28-year-old fighter was rendered unable to continue, prompting the referee to stop the fight. Immediately assessed in the ring by medical professionals, Cooney was later transported via stretcher to the Royal Victoria Hospital for urgent care.

Promoter Mark Dunlop revealed the severity of Cooney's condition in a statement on Monday, announcing, "John suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and underwent immediate surgery to relieve pressure on his brain." Currently, Cooney remains under close observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital, where he is receiving expert medical attention.

This unfortunate incident comes on the heels of Cooney's exhilarating victory for the Celtic title in November 2023, where he delivered a first-round knockout over Liam Gaynor at a sold-out 3Arena in Dublin, an event that also featured Katie Taylor's notable win against Chantelle Cameron. However, Cooney's return to the ring followed a year of recovery after a hand injury forced him out of action.

Prior to the bout against Howells, Cooney had dedicated a significant amount of training alongside former world title challenger Zelfa Barrett in Manchester, displaying a fervent determination to defend his title. Tragically, the outcome of this fight not only alters his career but raises serious concerns about his health and future in the sport.

As the boxing community rallies around John Cooney, supporters and fans alike hope for a speedy and full recovery as they await updates on his condition. The sport of boxing, while exhilarating and rewarding, underscores the importance of health and safety for all its athletes. The road ahead may be daunting, but Cooney's fighting spirit remains unyielded.