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Boxer left preventing for his life after struggling mind damage throughout title match

John Cooney, 34, was stopped in the ninth round during his defence of the super-featherweight Celtic title, and the boxer immediately rushed to undergo emergency surgery

John Cooney
John Cooney was discovered to have suffered a serious brain injury (Image: James Chance/Getty Images)

The Belfast-born boxer John Cooney is in intensive care following his defeat to Welshman Nathan Howells.

Last Saturday night, 34-year-old Cooney was stopped in the ninth round while defending his Celtic super-featherweight title for and was rushed to hospital for surgery.

In a statement, Cooney’s promoter, Mark Dunlop, said: “After John’s intense title fight at the Ulster Hall on Saturday, he was quickly assessed by the British Boxing Board of Control’s medical team and transported to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for further treatment.

“It was discovered that John had suffered an intercranial haemorrhage and required urgent surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Cooney, a southpaw, had been on an impressive winning streak, with 11 victories under his belt, including three knockouts, showcasing his strength and ability in the ring.

John Cooney
John Cooney’s opponent Nathan Howell’s has wished him a full recovery

“He’s now in the intensive care unit and is in the capable hands of the hospital’s ICU team.”

Cooney won the title in November 2023 with a victory over fellow Irishman Liam Gaynor in Dublin, but had spent a year out of action because of a serious hand injury before returning to the ring with a win over Tampela Maharusi in October.

His opponent Nathan Howells shared an update on social media on Monday (February 5), expressing his best wishes. On Instagram, he wrote: “I know some people have been asking about John, and I’ve been waiting for news myself. I haven’t heard anything yet, but here’s the latest from the promoter.

John Cooney
John Cooney is a talented boxer, with a previous record of 11-0-0(Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

“I never wanted anything like this to happen, I just went out there to box. I wish nothing but the best for John and his family, and I hope he makes a full recovery. I don’t know him personally, but he seems like a really respectful and decent man.

“One thing I do know is that he’s a fit and strong young man, and I believe he can fight through this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and he’ll always have my respect.

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“We shared the ring, and John never once gave up or looked for a way out. Get well soon, mate. All the best.”