An Irish boxer is ‘fighting for his life’ in the Royal Victoria Hospital, following his bout at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Saturday night.
John Cooney lost his Celtic super-featherweight title defence at the weekend to Nathan Howells, who beat the Galway man with a technical knock-out (TKO).
Mr Cooney was taken to hospital as a precaution afterwards, but the promoter of the show, Mark Dunlop, has confirmed that the 28-year-old is still receiving treatment.
In a statement, MHD Promotions said: “Following John Cooney’s epic title fight at the Ulster Hall on Saturday evening John was assessed by the onsite medical team of the British Boxing Board of Control and swiftly taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for further treatment.
“On arrival at the RVH it was discovered that John had an intracranial haemorrhage and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.
“John is currently in the intensive care unit and in the the hospitals capable hands of the ICU team.
“John’s fiancee Emmaleen and his parents Hughie & Tina would like to thank everyone for their private messages of support and would ask that they keep John in their thoughts and prayers at this time as he faces his toughest battle.”
Mr Cooney’s uncle Christopher has also asked for people’s prayers, as his nephew “is fighting for his life in the Royal Vic Hospital Belfast”.
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Christopher Cooney further called for a ban on pro boxing, adding: “What a horrible violent so-called sport”.
Welsh fighter Nathan Howells recovered from a tough opening round to completely take over against Mr Cooney on Saturday night.
The bout ended in the ninth round, with Mr Howells landing a body shot that caused Mr Cooney to drop to the canvas.
Referee Darren Sarginson stepped in to stop the fight after Mr Howells continued with follow-up punches.
Mr Cooney had been planning on fighting for a British title this year, setting his sights on a fight with Reece Bellotti, who he expects will retain his British and Commonwealth titles against Michael Gomez Jr come February 15.
Mr Cooney had previously told Irish-boxing.com: “I’ll get business done against Nathan Howells. I have to win that fight before any talk of any other fight. I’m fully focused on that one, but I know I’m more than capable of winning in great fashion.
“Then we look to February the 15th. I’ll be watching with a keen eye and I want the winner.
“It’s a good fight. I have Reece Bellotti winning it.”
Other figures from Northern Ireland’s boxing scene have offered their prayers and thoughts for Mr Cooney’s recovery.
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Retired pro boxer, Conrad Cummings said: “I’m hearing reports a fighter from the weekend’s Boxing show in Ulster Hall is in hospital critical with a bad head (brain) injury.
“Tough little man – hope he can pull through at this difficult time. Stay strong. Prayers & thoughts with you champ. x,” added the Co Tyrone native.
Saturday’s ‘Nations Fight Night’ was hosted by BBC NI, and was streamed live on the BBC iPlayer.
Seven local fighters took the stage at the iconic Bedford Street venue.
The bill was topped by Colm ‘Posh Boy’ Murphy, with the south Belfast born boxer defending his Commonwealth Silver featherweight title, defeating Kasimu Hamad Haji by knockout.