PROMOTERS have cancelled a scheduled boxing card that was set to take place in Belfast this weekend.
The ‘Beginning 2.0’ fight card was cancelled after Galway fighter John Cooney sustained a severe brain injury during the first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight boxing title last Saturday.
The ‘Beginning 2.0’ fight card was cancelled in a mark of respect to the injured fighter[/caption]
Cooney is fighting for his life in intensive care after doctors discovered a brain injury after his latest fight.
And now in a mark of respect, and after conversations with the British Boxing Board of Control, promoters have called off their scheduled card that was set for Saturday night.
Jay Byrne and Shane O’Leary released a statement on social media on Tuesday as they confirmed the cancellation of the card before sending their prayers and well wishes to Cooney and his family.
It read: “Following conversations with BBBofC this morning. The Beginning 2.0,” scheduled for this Saturday in Belfast, has been cancelled.
“John Cooney, who participated in a professional boxing event in Belfast last Saturday, is fighting for his life in I.C.U, and it does not sit right with anyone involved to continue with this week’s promotion.
“At times like these, life is far more important than anything else.
“All tickets will be refunded in full, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to people.
“At this time, please keep John and his family in your prayers.
Yours sincerely,
Jay Byrne & Shane O’Leary.”
Cooney was beaten by Welshman Nathan Howells at Belfast’s Ulster Hall with a stoppage in the ninth round.
But after being treated by medics at the fight, he was quickly stretchered to the Royal Victoria Hospital for further tests.
And it was there that doctors discovered Cooney had suffered a bleed on his brain.
He was immediately rushed into surgery for an operation.
And Cooney is now in intensive care, with his uncle Christopher claiming the star is “fighting for his life.”
A further statement from his management team at MDH Promotions 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 intracranial haemorrhage and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.
“John is currently in the intensive care unit and in the hospital’s capable hands of the ICU team.
“John’s fiancée Emaleen and his parents Hughie & Tina would like to thank everyone for their private messages of support, and would ask that they keep John in their thoughts and prayers at this time as he faces his toughest battle.”
