John Cooney: Northern Irish boxer in intensive care after suffered a brain injury in the defeat of Nathan Howells | Boxing news
Northern Irish boxer John Cooney is in intensive care after being in Ulster Hall on Saturday, Ulster Hall, Ulster Hall.
Cooney was stopped in the ninth round of fighting, which was the first defense of his Celtic title in a super-in-the -rate category, and then underwent surgery.
In a statement, promoter Cooney, Mark Dunlop, said: “After epic fight John Cooney in Ulster Hall on Saturday night, John assessed a medical box control team and quickly transported to the British Buring Committee on control and quickly took over the hospital in Belfast Royal Victoria for further treatment.
“Upon arrival in the RVH, it was revealed that John had intercretional bleeding and undergoing an emergency surgery to alleviate pressure on his brain.
“John is currently in an intensive care unit and in the capable hands of a hospital team.
“John’s fiancée Emmaleen and his parents Hughie and Tina would like to thank everyone for their private messages of support and asked that Ivana retained in their thoughts and prayers at the moment while facing his most difficult battle.”
Howells posted a statement about social media on Monday to wish his opponent a quick recovery, posting on Instagram: “I know I asked a lot of me about John and I waited for me to hear.
“I honestly never wanted to get anywhere, I just went there to box. I don’t want anything else but the best for Ivana his family and I hope he will get home on safe and sound. I don’t really know him but do it as a truly respectful and beautiful man.
“What I know is that he is a fit and a strong young man and he can win it and go out on the other side. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and he will forever get my respect.
“We shared the ring together, and the boy never gave up or sought the way out. Soon you hang out – all the best.”
Cooney won the Keltic title of Super-Feateewet with a win in the first round over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, part of the same sale of the show in which Katie Taylor defeated Chantelle Cameron by the majority decision.
He spent a year out of the ring with his hands injury, but in October he returned to the defeat of Tampel Maharussi to York Hall, while his loss was first as a professional on Saturday.
