The passing of John Cooney, a promising Irish super-featherweight boxer, has cast a somber shadow over the boxing community and highlights the urgent need for reforms regarding fighter safety. Cooney, who tragically succumbed to an intracranial hemorrhage a week after his title fight, was only 28 years old and had shown tremendous potential. His death serves as a reminder of the inherent risks present in a sport that often glorifies toughness while glossing over its hazards.

Despite the inherent dangers, known statistics show that fatalities in boxing are comparatively rare. With only six reported deaths among professional boxers from injuries incurred in the ring within the past year, Cooney’s death is particularly heartbreaking as he became the first casualty from a brain injury this year, underlining the gravity of the situation at hand. These occurrences prompt us to reflect critically on how we protect our athletes while continuing to allow them to pursue their dreams.

Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s manager, voiced a sentiment echoed by many fighters, stating, “Every fighter knows the dangers, but no one thinks it’s going to come to their door.” This sentiment sheds light on a troubling aspect of sports culture where the risks are often downplayed, fostering an environment where young athletes may feel compelled to ignore the potential consequences of their participation. Cooney, a fighter who “lived and died chasing his dream,” leaves behind a legacy that will compel discussions on how to better safeguard athletes in the sport.

The support received by Cooney’s family from the Belfast community and the wider boxing fraternity illustrates the profound impact he had on those around him. Friends and fellow athletes have opened a dialogue to address the pressing need for better safety measures in the sport, underscoring that, as one boxing enthusiast put it, “It enhances more lives than it destroys or takes.” This must not cloud our judgment; rather, it should act as a catalyst for change.

It is crucial that boxing organizations worldwide prioritize fighter safety, and initiate comprehensive protocols to minimize risks, including improving medical assessments pre- and post-fight. Furthermore, they must develop stringent guidelines for handling injuries. As we mourn the loss of a talented fighter, we must also advocate for the necessary reforms to prevent future tragedies. The boxing world truly feels the void left by Cooney, and as it grieves, it must also evolve.

In memory of John Cooney, may we ensure that the price of pursuing greatness does not come at the expense of life itself. His spirit will continue to guide discussions around safety, sparking hope that his untimely death may prevent others from experiencing similar fates in this beloved sport.

For more on this heart-wrenching story and the statistics behind boxing injuries, please refer to ESPN’s coverage here, CBS News here, BBC Sport here, and CNN here.