Home Sport Conor McGregor pays tribute to ‘warrior’ John Cooney following boxer’s tragic death

Conor McGregor pays tribute to ‘warrior’ John Cooney following boxer’s tragic death

Sport — 11/02/2025 · 0 Comment

Tributes continue to pour in for John Cooney following his tragic death

Tributes continue to pour in for John Cooney following the boxer’s tragic death over the weekend.

The 28-year-old’s death was announced in a statement on Saturday, one week after he was taken to hospital following a fight at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

Barry McGuigan described Cooney as a ‘lovely, sweet kid’ as he paid tribute over the weekend and Conor McGregor has also paid his respects online.

The Galway native suffered an intracranial haemorrhage, also known as a bleed on the brain, in his Celtic Title fight with Welshman Nathan Howells last weekend. He was treated at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

A statement on Monday said he was in intensive care. The bout, Cooney’s first defence of the Celtic super-featherweight title, was stopped in the ninth round.

He underwent surgery after it was discovered he had an intracranial haemorrhage.

Cooney won the title with a win over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, but spent a year out of the ring with a hand injury. He returned in October with a victory over Tampela Maharusi.

A statement published by his promoter Mark Dunlop, on behalf of the Cooney family and his fiancee, Emmaleen, read: “After a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away.

“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.

“He was a much loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘the Kid’ Cooney.”

Another statement released on behalf of the family on Sunday thanked the people of Belfast and the wider boxing community for their support.

It read: “The immediate family of John Cooney, parents Hughie & Tina, brothers Conor and Aaron with fiancee Emmaleen and family circle have today asked me to relay their utmost gratitude and thanks to the people of Belfast and the wider boxing community.

“As a family they are overwhelmed by the kindness bestowed on them following the tragic death of their son John who lived and died chasing his dream.

“They would again like to give special thanks to the Europa Hotel for the amazing support given to them and their family and not forgetting the incredible staff at the Intensive Care Unit at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

“Mr & Mrs Cooney take great solace knowing that the untimely loss of John will now help save the lives of others.

“The Ulster Hall, Bedford Street will very kindly be opening its doors from 9am to 9pm tomorrow 10th February with the general public and local boxing community invited to leave a message in a book of condolences.”