BY: OSABUOHIEN IMUETINYANOSA
John Cooney’s death bruises the boxing world as his death was announced on Saturday, a week after a title fight in Belfast, and he was stretchered off to hospital with a brain injury following the defeat in a title bout in Belfast last weekend. And seven days after the title bout the death of the 28years old Cooney was confirmed on Saturday.
As for Former WBC Heavyweight champion Frank Bruno who couldn’t hold back his heart felt passion in saying : “a sad day for boxing”.
His death crushed the heart of the boxing world as it was affirmed by Former double WBO European champion Conrad Cummings that Cooney’s fellow boxers were lifeless with sorrows when the news was broken to them.
“I’m personally heartbroken for his beautiful fiancée that he’s left behind and his family,” he said.
Conrad Cummings added more – “I can’t begin to even imagine the heartbreak and pain they must be going through.”
Cummings let known to BBC News how much he admires the fighter whom he had met for some number of times, and describing him as a “warrior” worth remembering.
On Sunday, Northern Ireland Sports Minister Gordon Lyons said: “My thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all those in the boxing world who knew and loved him.
“This was a tragic event and I want to commend the quick actions of the medical team at the Ulster Hall and the work of staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital.”
“We’re sending heartfelt condolences to John Cooney’s family and friends and the wider boxing community.
“A devastating outcome for this young sportsman and all those around him.”
Said by the Ulster Hall to Cooney.
Belfast boxer Anto Cacace, the IBF world super-featherweight champion, told BBC News NI that Cooney was a “credit to the sport of boxing”.
“He was an up-and-coming star on the Irish and British boxing scene with talent in abundance.
“My deepest condolences go out to his family and my heart breaks for them at this very sad and tragic time.”
‘He will never be forgotten’
Tributes were also paid from Cooney’s native city.
In a statement, Galway Amateur Boxing Association said the announcement of his death was “the worst possible news” following a “torturous week” in hospital.
“There are no words to convey the magnitude of this tragedy or that can lessen the grief of his family.
A shining prospect and a young man loved by all that knew him; his loss will be mourned by all and he will never be forgotten.”
The governing body of professional boxing in the UK, the British Boxing Board of Control said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of John Cooney”
“We send our thoughts and condolences to John’s family and friends at this most difficult time,” it said on statement on X.
Frank Bruno also expressed his condolences with a brief statement on social media, accompanied by a photo of Cooney in the ring.
The impact of Cooney lives on in the history of the sport as remarks tends to remain endless on the life lived by John Cooney.
