Irish boxer John Cooney has died after his bout against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast last Saturday, his promoter has confirmed.
The 28-year-old was placed in intensive care after the fight at the Ulster Hall, with promoter Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions announcing his passing.
The bout was stopped in the ninth round and Cooney had subsequently undergone surgery after it was discovered he had an intracranial haemorrhage. The bout was his first defence of the Celtic super-featherweight title.
"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," a statement read.
"Mr & 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."
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 10-bell salute was held in Manchester ahead of the Derek Chisora-Otto Wallin fight to remember Cooney and boxing manager and trainer Jimmy Gill, who died last month.
