Gone Too Soon: Rising Boxing Star Georgia O’Connor Dies at 25 After Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims
Georgia O’Connor, a talented professional boxer and gold medalist at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, has tragically passed away at just 25 years old—only months after revealing a devastating cancer diagnosis she said was ignored by doctors for months.
The Durham-born athlete had a promising future, having represented Team GB as a standout amateur before turning professional. But in January, her life took a heartbreaking turn when she revealed she was battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, along with ulcerative colitis, a chronic and painful inflammatory bowel disease.
“There’s really no easy way to say this, but I have cancer,” Georgia shared with her followers on Instagram. “Now that’s out the way, it’s time to expose the absolute incompetent RATS that have allowed this to happen.”
Her emotional post not only announced her diagnosis but also expressed deep frustration at the alleged medical neglect that delayed her treatment. Just weeks after getting married, Georgia’s life was tragically cut short—leaving fans, friends, and the boxing world in mourning.
“They Refused to Listen”: Boxer Georgia O’Connor Dies at 25 After Claims of Medical Neglect
The boxing world is mourning the loss of 25-year-old Georgia O’Connor, a rising star whose life was cut short just weeks after her wedding—following a devastating cancer diagnosis she said was missed for months due to repeated medical neglect.
O’Connor, a decorated amateur who won gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and represented Team GB, revealed earlier this year that she had been battling cancer and ulcerative colitis. In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote:
“There’s really no easy way to say this, but I have cancer.”
She went on to accuse medical professionals of failing her:
“It’s time to expose the absolute incompetent RATS that have allowed this to happen.”
Georgia described enduring “constant pain for 17 weeks” while repeatedly seeking help—only to be dismissed by doctors who she said refused to take her seriously. Despite having colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), conditions that increase cancer risk, her concerns went unaddressed.
“Not one doctor f***ing listened to me,” she wrote. “Not one doctor took me seriously… They gaslit me, told me it was nothing… One even told me that it’s ‘all in my head.’”
Her health deteriorated rapidly. By the time doctors acted, Georgia said the cancer had spread, and she was also diagnosed with dangerous blood clots in her lungs.
A month later, on her 25th birthday, she revealed that she had miscarried and had been told her cancer was incurable. But even in the face of that diagnosis, she remained defiant:
“They can say it’s terminal all they want… But after taking 17, SEVENTEEN weeks to even figure out what was wrong with me, why the f*** should I believe them?”
In her final weeks, Georgia married her partner Adriano, sharing the joyful news on May 9th:
“The day I married the love of my life.”
Following her death, a spokesperson for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are very sorry to hear the news about Georgia’s death and offer our sincere condolences to the family… If the family want to raise any concerns with us, we’d urge them to get in touch.”
Tributes have poured in from across the boxing community and beyond. Promoter Boxxer called her a “true warrior,” writing:
“The boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”
World champion Ellie Scotney, a friend of Georgia’s for a decade, shared a heartfelt message:
“Even when life was on a timer, you never let anything dim that light of yours… A heart that will forever live on in so many ways.”
Georgia O’Connor’s story is one of talent, bravery, and a tragic warning about the consequences of not being heard. Her voice, though silenced too soon, continues to echo in the hearts of those she inspired.
“There Was Nothing You Couldn’t Do”: Boxing World Pays Tribute to Georgia O’Connor After Tragic Death at 25
Tributes continue to pour in following the heartbreaking death of 25-year-old Georgia O’Connor—a gifted boxer, fierce competitor, and cherished friend—whose life ended just weeks after her wedding and amid claims of serious medical neglect.
“There was nothing you couldn’t do, the world at your very feet no matter what room you entered,” one tribute read, capturing the power, presence, and promise Georgia carried with her throughout her life and career.
England Boxing honored her memory, describing her as a “beloved member of the amateur boxing community” and a “gifted boxer” whose impact stretched far beyond the ring.
From winning gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games to representing Team GB with pride, Georgia’s boxing career was marked by talent, discipline, and heart. But behind the accolades was a young woman fighting not only in the ring, but also for her health—and ultimately, her life.