Unbeaten pro Georgia O’Connor sadly passes away at 25 after a battle with cancer

Georgia O’Connor has sadly passed away after a battle with cancer

Unbeaten professional boxer Georgia O'Connor has sadly lost her battle with cancer at the young age of just 25.

The talented boxer revealed her cancer news in January this year after she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel disease.

She was an outstanding amateur champion, who went 3-0 as a professional, all three bouts taking place between October 2021-October 2022.

In her last Instagram post, two weeks before her death, she revealed she had married her partner Adriano Cardinali. She simply wrote: "The day I married the love of my life".

Adriano Cardanli was described by Georgia as her "superhero": "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 onto him, because that kind of love is rare.

"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. Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me. Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.

"I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate. A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.

"Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate. I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.

"You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you. Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.

"We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever."

Georgia O'Connor was born 18 February 2000 and died 22 May 2025.

As an amateur, she won a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, silver at the 2017 Youth World Championships, and bronze at the 2018 Youth World Championships. She also reached the quarter-finals at the 2018 European Youth Championships after winning bronze and silver medals as a junior in previous editions of the tournament.

Of Irish descent, she lived in France for a brief period as a child and is a fluent French speaker. She is a black belt and three-time National Champion in Taekwondo as well as being undefeated in kickboxing.

Highly academic as well as sporty, Georgia was studying for a degree in civil engineering since 2022 and she liked to play guitar and sing in her spare time, with a particular fondness for Irish songs.

Tributes

BOXXER: 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.

Stacey Copeland: It’s hard to comprehend how cruel life can be, just 25 yrs old, she had so much ahead of her, but I know our boxing community will honour her memory. @geo_oconnor we’ll never forget you, we’ll always be proud of you, and you’ll continue to inspire us all from above.

Natasha Jonas: So sad. Thinking of her family and close friends.

The Ring: The Ring is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Georgia Cardinali (née Georgia O’Connor) aged just 25. Cardinali was a promising 3-0 prospect having won multiple youth amateur medals, and heroically battled cancer in recent months. Our deepest sympathies are with her friends and family at this time.

Boxing News: We are saddened to learn that British prospect Georgia O'Connor has passed away at the age of 25. A talented amateur and rising star in the pro ranks, O'Connor was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer earlier this year. Our thoughts are with her loved ones. Rest in peace.

Queensberry Promotions: Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor. All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.

England Boxing: We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor. A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships. Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

Wasserman Boxing: "Our deepest condolences are with Georgia O’Connor’s family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Georgia."

WBA Boxing: The WBA mourns the loss of Georgia O’Connor At just 25 years old, Georgia bravely battled cancer, leaving us far too soon. Our sport has lost a shining light, and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of fans and fighters around the world. Rest in peace, champ.

BBN would like to extend their deepest condolences to all of Georgia's family and friends at this sad time. Georgia O'Connor is forever in our hearts and thoughts.