Irish Super Featherweight John Cooney in Critical Condition With Brain Injury After Getting Stopped by Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall in Belfast
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Now fighting for his life, Irish super featherweight John Cooney lost the BBBofC Celtic Super Featherweight title in his first defense on Saturday, February 1, 2025, a British title eliminator at Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland, when challenger Nathan Howells stopped him at 2:38 of the ninth round in a lopsided contest. In the preliminary bout to the main event of a seven bout card, the southpaw Cooney, 11-1 with three knockouts, Belfast, Northern Ireland, was knocked down in the ninth round by Welshman Howells, 11-1 with two knockouts, Newport, Wales, United Kingdom. Referee Darren Sarginson stopped it.
According to MHD Promotions, Cooney was assessed inside the ring by the onsite medical team of the British Boxing Board of Control and swiftly taken by stretcher to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) for further treatment. On arrival at Royal Victoria Hospital, it was discovered Cooney had incurred an intracranial hemorrhage, and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Cooney remains in critical condition, receiving treatment in the intensive care unit under the ongoing expert care of the Intensive Care Unit medical team.
In a situation similar to former World Middleweight champion Gerald McClellan, promoter Mark Dunlop revealed Cooney suffered a brain bleed. Gerald McClellan suffered a brain bleed after a boxing match with Nigel Benn on February 25, 1995, also on British soil, in a World Boxing Council World Super Middleweight title bout. London Arena in Millwall, United Kingdom. The brain bleed resulted in a blood clot that was surgically removed, but McClellan sustained permanent brain damage. McClellan, now age 57, had emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. He spent eleven days in a coma and was found to have suffered extensive brain damage. He lost his eyesight, the ability to walk unassisted, and was reported as being 80 percent deaf as a result.
Howells stated “I genuinely never wanted any of this to happen. I just went out there to box. I wish nothing but the very best for John and his family. I hope he comes home safe and sound. I don’t actually know him myself, but he seems like a really respectful and nice man. What I do know is he’s a fit and strong young man. He can beat this and come out the other side. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will forever have my respect. We shared a ring together, and the boy never once quit or looked for a way out. Get well soon, mate. All the best.” A Go Fund Me page has been set up online for John Cooney’s medical expenses, for those wishing to contribute.
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