Tragedy has once against struck the sport, as 28-year-old boxer John Cooney has died, his promoter Mark Dunlop announced on social media.

The 28-year-old was taken to intensive care following his defeat to Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall last Saturday.

Cooney was defending his Celtic super featherweight title. He was stopped in the ninth round. Afterwards, it was discovered that Cooney had suffered a brain bleed and he underwent immediate surgery.

“It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away. Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers," Dunlop wrote.

“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.”