Boxer undergoes emergency brain surgery following knockout defeat

Super-featherweight boxer John Cooney remains in critical condition after undergoing brain surgery following a knockout defeat on Saturday.

Cooney suffered his first professional defeat after a ninth-round stoppage in Belfast against Welshman Nathan Howells 

The 28-year-old, who was defending his Celtic super-featherweight title, was initially assessed by medical staff at Ulster Hall before being taken out of the ring on a stretcher.

Cooney was then transferred to Royal Victoria Hospital where he underwent surgery and remains in intensive care.

Cooney’s promoter Mark Dunlop released a statement which read: ‘Following John Cooney’s epic title fight at the Ulster Hall on Saturday evening, John was assessed by the onsite medical team of the British Boxing Board of Control and swiftly taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for further treatment.

‘On arrival at the RVH it was discovered that John had an intercranial haemorrhage and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.

‘John is currently in the intensive care unit and in the capable hands of the hospital ICU team.’

Cooney’s mother, Tina, also released an emotional message on social media, saying she will ‘never give up hope’ in her son.

 ‘Son, as a mum to you, I will never give up hope and the saying we have: ‘There is only one John Cooney’,’ she said. ‘I love you unconditionally, but right now you are breaking my heart in a million pieces.

‘But you are not ready to leave this world yet and you are now battling the hardest fight. But you can do this, John Cooney. Dad and I and your two brothers are just a broken family without you.’

Howells, meanwhile, said he ‘never wanted for any of this to happen’ as he wished his opponent on the night a quick recovery.

‘I wish nothing but the very best for John and his family and hope he comes home safe and sound,’ the Welshman said. ‘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 and he can beat this and come out the other side. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and 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.’

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