**Team GB Boxer Georgia O’Connor Dies at 25, Weeks After Marriage**
The British sporting community is mourning the loss of Georgia O’Connor, a former Team GB boxer and Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist, who has passed away at the age of just 25 following a battle with cancer. O’Connor, whose strength both inside and outside the ring made a mark on those around her, died only a fortnight after celebrating her marriage to husband Adriano.
O’Connor’s promise in the world of boxing was first recognised on the international stage in 2017, when she secured gold for England at the Commonwealth Youth Games. Her technical skill and determination set her apart early on, and she was widely regarded as one of the nation’s most promising young athletes. Many believed she was destined for even greater achievements in her boxing career.
Her journey took an unexpected turn in January when O’Connor revealed to her followers and fans that she had developed ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel condition. During her treatment, doctors diagnosed her with cancer, launching a new and difficult chapter in her life. O’Connor endured her illness with openness and resilience, drawing support and encouragement from across the sporting world.
Tributes have since poured in from fellow athletes and admirers. Notably, super-middleweight boxer Joe Laws paid homage to O’Connor on social media, sharing a poignant image and the words: “Fighter till the end, rest easy.” Her legacy as a competitor with unwavering spirit has resonated with many.
The North-East boxer turned professional in 2021, quickly building an undefeated record across her three bouts in the professional ranks. Her prowess in the ring was complemented by a vibrant personality and genuine camaraderie with colleagues and fans alike. O’Connor’s candid approach to social media included her final Instagram post two weeks prior to her passing, which featured her wedding ring and the heartfelt caption: “The day I married the love of my life.”
Her battle with illness was marked by the devotion of her husband, Adriano. In a touching message shared online after her diagnosis, O’Connor described the lengths to which her partner went in pursuing treatments. She depicted his commitment—quitting his job, tirelessly researching new medical options, and driving across Europe trying to find solutions—using words such as “superhero” and “warrior” to underline his efforts. Their relationship, as portrayed in her own words, became a beacon of loyalty and love during adversity.
Beyond boxing, O’Connor was a remarkably versatile sportswoman. Before achieving fame in boxing, she was a three-time taekwondo national champion and maintained an undefeated record in competitive kickboxing. These channels of success spoke to both her physical talents and mental resilience, qualities repeatedly highlighted by those who knew her.
O’Connor was not just an athlete; she was a young woman with a passion for creativity, frequently posting videos that featured her playing guitar and singing. Her enthusiasm for music and for life outside the sporting arena added a further dimension to the impact she had on those who followed her journey.
As the British boxing community and supporters across the country remember Georgia O’Connor, her legacy remains as one of courage, commitment, and compassion. Her story, though tragically cut short, has left a lasting impression both within and beyond the world of sport.