First preliminary hearing takes place ahead of inquest into boxer death

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

The first preliminary hearing has taken place ahead of an inquest into the death of a boxer following a fight in Belfast last year.

Former Celtic super-featherweight title holder John Cooney, 28, from Galway, died a week after suffering a head injury in a fight at the Ulster Hall in February 2025.

He was treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital for an intracranial haemorrhage, also known as a bleed on the brain.

His family, represented by KRW Law, said his death raises “profound concerns about safety practices” in the sport, and want to see the probe examine safety regulations.

They have expressed hope the case would prompt Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights so the state ensures adequate laws and regulatory frameworks where life-threatening activities are permitted.

Cooney’s father Hugh watched via video during the brief preliminary hearing on Thursday morning.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and referee Darren Sarginson are set to be properly interested parties in the proceedings, as well as Mr Cooney’s family.

Coroner Anne-Louise Toal heard about preparations for the inquest, including requests for disclosure from BBBoC, Kingsbridge and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), and a request for footage.

Barrister Mark Bassett, acting for the next of kin, suggested the inquest looks at the adequacy of the regulations, in line with the right to life in Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Toal said she had not made up her mind at that early stage in terms of the scope of the inquest.

Another preliminary hearing will take place on May 6th.