“It takes a lot of courage in that cage, no matter who you are.” This week, the tragic passing of 28-year-old rising star John Cooney shocked and saddened the combat sports world. The fighter, who was defending his Celtic Super Featherweight title against Nathan Howells at Ulster Hall in Belfast earlier this month, sustained a severe brain injury.

The bout, which took place in the 9th round, was halted when Cooney showed signs of serious trauma. He was immediately attended to by medical staff ringside and rushed to Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital. On Saturday, John Conney’s promoter, Mark Dunlop, on behalf of Conney’s family, shared the devastating news of his passing after he had “fought for a week for his life.”

Dunlop wrote on social media, “It is with great sadness to announce that after a week of battling for his life, John Cooney has sadly passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who worked tirelessly to save John’s life, and to everyone who 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.”

Despite relentless rescue efforts, rescuers could not save the promising Irish athlete. The combat sports world, encompassing MMA, boxing, and Muay Thai, united to mourn the loss and celebrate the legacy of this rising star. Conor McGregor, the Irish UFC megastar, paid a heartfelt tribute to Cooney by posting a video clip on Instagram Stories, showcasing his brief yet impactful legacy. The caption read, “Rest in peace, warrior John Cooney,” followed by a prayer emoji. ‘The Notorious’ also contributed to the ‘GoFundMe’ campaign initiated by Conney’s promoter to raise £47,000 for his family, donating £20,000.

In 2023, the 28-year-old boxer claimed his championship title by defeating Lian Gaynor. However, a head injury kept him sidelined for most of 2024. He made a return in October 2024, securing a win over Tampela Maharusi. With an undefeated professional record of 11-0-0, John Cooney became a symbol of resilience, challenging the common criticism that “Ireland’s level” in the fight world was lacking. UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall also joined in honoring the fallen champion, delivering a tribute that subtly aimed at those critics.

Tom Aspinall passed his “thoughts and prayers” to the Irish boxing star John Cooney

“Too many people hide behind screens, commenting negatively about fighters without understanding the immense risks they face every time they step into the ring. ‘Thoughts and prayers with his loved ones,'” Tom Aspinall wrote on his Instagram story, honoring John Conney and calling out critics who mock fighters. The Englishman’s words were aimed at those who belittle athletes who sacrifice their bodies for the entertainment of others.

Unfortunately, this is not the first tragedy to strike the combat sports world. One of the most well-known cases is that of Prichard Colon, a former American-Puerto Rican boxer, WBC world champion, and multi-event gold medalist. During a 2015 boxing match against Terrel Williams, Colon took a “rabbit punch” to the back of his head, causing severe brain hemorrhaging. That punch left him in a coma for 221 days, and while he is still alive today, he now requires life support from computers and machines.

What are your thoughts on the current safety protocols and regulations in combat sports? Do you believe these rules should be revised, and could specialized headgear be a game-changer for both boxing and MMA? Given the occasional tragedies that result in fatalities or permanent paralysis, how do you think the sport can evolve to better protect its athletes and minimize these risks?