John Cooney in Intensive Care After Emergency Brain Surgery

Boxer John Cooney is in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast following a severe brain injury sustained during a title fight on Saturday night. The 28-year-old suffered an intracranial hemorrhage after being stopped in the ninth round by Welshman Nathan Howells during his first defense of the Celtic super-featherweight title. His promoter, Mark Dunlop, confirmed that Cooney underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and is currently being treated in the ICU. Family members have requested prayers and support for Cooney as he faces this critical health challenge. Cooney previously won the Celtic title in November 2023 and had been undefeated in his last 11 fights before this bout. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of boxing, with some calling for the sport to be banned altogether.