The Boxing World Pays Tribute to John Cooney
The boxing world has moved to let people know just how special a person John Cooney was.
The Galway boxer tragically passed away in Belfast last Saturday, a week after falling ill post his Celtic title defence against Nathan Howels.
As a condolence book was opened at Belfastâs Ulster Hall, those within the sport have been keen to pay tribute to the much-admired fighter.
âHe was just a lovely, sweet kid. Ambitious, determined and driven. To have his life snapped away like that is just tragic,” said Barry McGugian.
Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s promoter told the BBC the Westerner had a âgreat characterâ and âa big futureâ ahead of him when tragedy struck.
âAs much as it is a dangerous sport, the fatalities are rare, but they are there,â Dunlop said.
âBoxing is a dangerous sport. Every fighter knows the dangers but like everything no one thinks itâs going to come to their door,â he added. âIt enhances more lives than it destroys or takes.
âOne of Johnâs sayings was âtomorrow is not promisedâ and he certainly lived for the day, so he deserves this attention.â
Fellow Galway boxer Kieran Molloy was big in his praise for Cooney.
âHe was on the verge of some very big fights. He has a huge future ahead of him and he was a very proud Galway man,â Molloy told RTĂ.
While Conemara man Thomas O’Toole made sure Cooney was remembered and recognised before his big Boston win in the early hours of Sunday morning [Irish time].
Others associated with the sport have also made sure to pass on their condolences and remember Cooney in a positive light.
