A preliminary hearing for the inquest into the death of boxer John Cooney takes place at Belfast Coroner’s Court on Thursday.

Cooney, 28, from Galway, died a week after an injury during a title fight at the Ulster Hall in February 2025. He received treatment at the Royal Victoria Hospital for an intracranial haemorrhage.

Solicitor Barry O’Donnell of KRW Law represents Cooney’s father, Hugh Cooney. O’Donnell stated that the death raises concerns about safety practices in professional boxing.

The inquest will examine the circumstances of the death and the regulatory environment. This includes medical oversight and weight management controls.

O’Donnell said the case calls for consideration of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This requires the state to ensure laws and frameworks for life-threatening activities.

He noted that extreme weight loss before the fight contributed to the death. O’Donnell described this as part of a wider issue in boxing.

Cooney’s family seeks answers and changes to the regulatory framework.