John “The Kid” Cooney, a super-featherweight boxer from the U.K., has died a week after sustaining a brain injury in a championship bout. The rising pugilist’s passing was announced on social media by his management company, MHD Promotions, on Saturday.
Videos by Suggest
“It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life, John Cooney has sadly passed away,” his management wrote. “He was a much loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was.”
The boxing company said the late athlete’s family thanked the staff at Royal Victoria Hospital for their efforts to save his life and expressed gratitude for the support and prayers they received.
“RIP John ‘The Kid Cooney,’ ”they added.
John Cooney Suffered an Intracranial Hemorrhage During a Title Bout
Cooney, 28, was injured during a Celtic Super Featherweight title fight against Nathan Howells at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Feb. 1. He fell to the canvas in the ninth round and then rushed to the hospital afterward, according to his BoxRec listing.
At the hospital, doctors found Cooney had an intracranial hemorrhage and performed immediate surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, according to a statement from Cooney’s promoter, Mark Dunlop, shared on Instagram two days after the fight.
“John is currently in the intensive care unit and the capable hands of the hospital ICU team,” the statement explained.
Howells, who claimed the championship title, expressed his thoughts on social media in the wake of Cooney’s injury.
“I genuinely never wanted for any of this to happen just went out there to box,” he shared in a Feb. 3 post.
Following Cooney’s death, Howells took to social media again to share his shock and support for Cooney’s family. “Just had the news that the worst has happened,” he wrote on Instagram. “Thoughts are with his family and friends sorry for your [loss].”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched during Cooney’s hospitalization has successfully raised over £47,000 (approximately $58,300). “All funds raised will go directly to the family to support them following his untimely passing,” the campaign says in part.
Irish UFC fighter and actor Conor McGregor also took notice, generously donating £20,000 (approximately $24,800) to support the Cooney family’s fundraiser.