Irish boxer John Cooney dies after suffering brain injury in Championship Bout

Dublin: Irish boxer John Cooney has tragically passed away a week after sustaining a severe brain injury during the Super Featherweight Championship match.

According to reports, the 28-year-old fighter suffered critical injuries during his bout against Nathan Holtz from Wales at Ulster Hall last week.

He was immediately rushed to the intensive care unit for medical treatment.

Cooney was competing in his first title defense of the Celtic Super Featherweight Championship, but the match was halted in the ninth round due to his condition.

Medical reports later confirmed that Cooney had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage (brain hemorrhage).

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Despite battling for his life in the hospital for a week, the boxer succumbed to his injuries.

John Cooney won the Celtic Super Featherweight title in November 2023 after defeating Liam Gaynor. He spent most of 2024 recovering from a hand injury, but tragically lost his life in 2025.