Irish boxer John Koni passed away, his promoter Mark Donlop announced a week after he was injured in a fight in Belphast.
A 28 -year -old is under intense care after defeating Welshman Nathan Hole in the Ulster Hall last week, a statement said on Monday. The contest was stopped in the ninth round and then Koni had surgery after that when he found out that he had an intravenous hemorrhage. The competition was his first defense of the Celtic Super feeder weight title.
A further statement was published by the Dunlop by the Coconian Family on Saturday night, confirmed that the boxer died after “fighting for his life”.
It states: “It is with complete disaster that we have to announce that after fighting for a week for his life, John Koni has passed away with regret. The Royal Victoria Hospital would like to thank the staff who have worked hard to save lives and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.
“He was a very loving son, brother and partner, and it would take us for a lifetime to forget how special he was.
Koni won the title in November 2023 with a win against Liam Guinner in Dublin but spent one year out of color with a hand injury. He returned in October with a victory over Templa Maharaosi.
