Irish boxing icon Barry McGuigan has spoken of his heartbreak following the death of John Cooney.

The 28-year-old Irish boxer suffered an intracranial haemorrhage in his Celtic Title fight with Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast on February 1, tragically passing away a week later from his injuries despite the best effort of medics. Galway man Cooney was assessed by the medical team ringside before being take out on a stretcher and transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain following the bout at the Ulster Hall, Northern Ireland.

However MHD Promotions announced on February 8 that he had succumbed to his injuries, leaving former featherweight champion McGuigan devastated. Speaking on BBC Radio5Live he said: "It is terrifying that this could happen to a 28-year-old kid who looked in the prime of his life. It's just hard to believe it. He was just a lovely, sweet kid. Ambitious, determined and driven. To have his life snapped away like that is just tragic."

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Sharing a photo with Cooney on social media site X, McGuigan added: "Such a tragedy to lose this fine young boxer who died after suffering a subdural hematoma following his Celtic Title fight in Belfast last week. I send my family and my deepest sympathies to John’s fiancée Emmaleen and his parents and his family."

The contest was stopped in the ninth round in what was Cooney's first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title. He had won the Celtic Title with a dominant first-round win stoppage against Liam Gaynor in November 2023 at a sold-out 3Arena in Dublin, fighting on the undercard of Katie Taylor's win against Chantelle Cameron. Cooney then spent a year out of the ring recovering from a hand injury before returning to beat Tampela Maharusi of Tanzania in October 2024 in London.

A statement from his promoters MHD Promotions said: "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. 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." Other tributes poured in from across the boxing community with IBF and WBO super-bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney saying: "Absolutely heartbreaking news to hear the passing of young John Cooney. Sending all my love and prayers to the Family, friends and anyone who was lucky enough to share a moment with John. God rest your beautiful Soul Champ."

Former professional boxer turned coach Conrad Cummings said: "John Cooney the warrior gave up his fight and passed away this evening. I am deeply saddened, I can’t begin to think of the hurt his poor fiancée and family are going through.. I pray they find the strength." Olympic medallist Michael Conlan labelled his passing a "very sad day for the Irish boxing community, my thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and friends."