ONE fighter lost his life, a former British champion was stopped on his feet and a heavyweight anomaly continues to defy logic.
Devastation, realisation and elation swim near one another in the same cauldron of emotions which boxers find themselves in every single week.
John Cooney’s death devastated his family, friends and loved ones. Nathan Heaney has perhaps realised that retirement must be considered after losing to Frenchman Sofiane Khati, and an elated Derek Chisora rolls on to his 50th fight, having beaten up and worn down Otto Wallin to win ‘The Last Dance.’
It was an emotional Saturday evening for the sport spread over several hours which began with the announcement of Cooney’s passing. The Belfast-based Galway boxer died at just 28 years old as a result of injuries sustained in his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells on February 1.
“It will take us a lifetime to forget how special he was.”
The statement from Mark Dunlop Promotions added Cooney was a, “Much loved son, brother and partner.” A traditional 10-bell salute was held at Queensberry’s card in Manchester last night to remember Cooney as well as manager and trainer Jimmy Gill, who passed away last month.
On Sunday morning, Heaney posted a long message on Instagram filled with thanks and love, while in between, there was his stark reminder that “Boxing is an unforgiving sport.”
“It’s going to be hard these next few months,” he added.
Heaney is now faced with the toughest stage of any fighter’s career – the very real possibility that it is time to retire. His British title success against Denzel Bentley was unexpected and extraordinary all at once. His two fights against Brad Pauls were a visual reminder of how much the old Lonsdale belt means and that not everything great about boxing shines in Riyadh.
The Resorts World Arena in Birmingham were treated to two classic British title battles between Heaney and Pauls. History was made by Pauls, and between them, they showed what can be achieved with hard work and a never-ending will to succeed.
There may be those in Heaney’s ear telling him he can carry on and to not give up but there will hopefully be more urging him to face reality. His performance against Khati proved the draw and defeat to Pauls were the beginning of the end. He prides himself on fitness, durability and good fundamentals – sadly they appear to be fading.
Not every man is a Derek Chisora and only time will tell if his efforts to reach fight number 50 will take a toll later in life. But while he continues to beat fighters like Otto Wallin, another boxing good guy, Chisora’s career will carry on.
Heaney has a chance to leave the sport on his terms, with his health intact and the memories of that thrilling night against Bentley still intact and ready to bring up whenever he’s asked about them. An Evening With Nathan Heaney would be another sell-out.
He may not have been able to take his thousands of supporters with him to a dream fight date outdoors at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium, but as he said, “Boxing is an unforgiving sport.”
