Promising British boxer Georgia O'Connor dies aged 25 following cancer battle

The boxing community is mourning the devastating loss of British boxer Georgia O’Connor, who passed away on May 22 at the age of 25 following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. A rising star with both amateur and professional success, O’Connor’s death has left a void that’s being felt deeply across the sport. O’Connor’s tragic passing followed just two weeks after the engagement announcement .

British boxer Georgia O’Connor passed away just two weeks after her engagement
Born and raised in Durham, Georgia O’Connor was a force in the ring. Her journey began with gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, followed by podium finishes at the Youth Worlds & European Championships. She went on to win five national titles as an amateur and represented Team GB before turning professional in 2021 under Boxxer Promotions .

As a pro, she maintained a perfect 3-0 record. Just months after her last fight, O’Connor faced a life-altering diagnosis— ulcerative colitis , a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. Then, in early 2024, her health took a more tragic turn when she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Despite the mounting challenges, O’Connor showed remarkable strength. In February, she shared a heartfelt tribute to her partner, Adriano, writing, “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”

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She continued, “From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.”

Her love story reached a poignant moment just two weeks before her death, when she announced their marriage on Instagram, writing: “The day I married the love of my life.” She adopted his surname and became Georgia Cardinali, giving her followers a glimpse of hope amidst her fight.

The outpouring of tributes from the boxing world has been overwhelming. Boxxer Promotions, where she turned pro, said: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O'Connor . A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon. Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at Boxxer. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”

Ben Shalom, CEO of Boxxer, added: “It’s hard to make sense of this. Georgia was an inspirational person and one I’ll never forget. So sorry for her family and all her friends. Truly heartbreaking.”

England Boxing honored her legacy, stating: “A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds and European Championships.”

Queensberry Promotions also offered condolences: “All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Georgia.”

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