John Cooney, aged 28, underscores the inherent dangers associated with professional boxing. Cooney suffered a severe brain injury during a Celtic super featherweight title fight against Nathan Howells in Belfast, where he was defeated in the ninth round . Following the match, he was hospitalized and underwent surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage but ultimately succumbed to his injuries one week later . This heartbreaking incident not only highlights the physical risks involved in combat sports but also raises questions about athlete safety and medical protocols within the boxing community.
Cooney was defending his Celtic super-featherweight title against Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on February 1 when the bout was stopped in the ninth round.
He was taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment and subsequently underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain from an intracranial haemorrhage, Dunlop said earlier this week.
Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers,” Dunlop added in Saturday’s statement.
In May 2024, British boxer Sherif Lawal died after being knocked down by a blow to the head during his professional debut in London.
About a month before that, 27-year-old heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo died three weeks after a knockout led to him being put in an induced coma in Miami, according to his promotion team.
Tokyo.
Irish promoter and former featherweight champion Barry McGuigan also mourned Cooney’s loss, describing him as a “fine young boxer” and extending his condolences to Cooney’s fiancée, Emmaleen, and his family.
This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences faced by professional athletes. As discussions around improving safety protocols continue to gain momentum within sports organizations globally, cases like John Cooney’s highlight an urgent need for enhanced medical oversight during fights . The loss of promising talent due to preventable injuries should galvanize stakeholders into action to prioritize athlete welfare above all else.
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