Georgia O'Connor’s shocking death at 25: What you didn't know about her final fight

‎British boxing has lost one of its brightest young stars. Georgia O’Connor, the undefeated professional boxer and 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games gold medalist, has died at the age of 25. Her promoter, Boxxer, confirmed the news on Thursday.

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‎Georgia O'Connor (right) was undefeated in three professional matches.

‎James Chance/Getty Images

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‎O’Connor’s ascent in the sport was swift. After winning gold in 2017, she turned professional in 2021, building a spotless 3-0 record. Her final fight, held in October 2022, was a commanding victory over Joyce Van Ee. At the time, it seemed just another step in a promising career. In truth, it marked the end of her time in the ring—and the beginning of a much harder fight.

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‎Shortly after that bout, O’Connor began experiencing severe health issues. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in February 2023, a painful chronic illness that disrupted her boxing aspirations. She didn’t share her condition publicly until 2024, choosing instead to focus quietly on her recovery.

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‎Then, in January 2025, she revealed a devastating update: she had been diagnosed with incurable cancer. The news shocked fans and the boxing community alike. Still, O’Connor met her illness with the same determination she brought to every fight. She documented her journey with raw honesty, using Instagram to share updates about hospital stays, her mental strength, and moments of joy.

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‎On May 9, just weeks before her passing, O’Connor posted that she had married her partner Adriano Cardinali, changing her Instagram name to Georgia Cardinali while still honoring her boxing identity in her handle.

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‎The boxing world, now in mourning, has paid tribute to her legacy. England Boxing, the sport’s national governing body, described her as “a gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community.”

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‎What fans didn’t know about O’Connor’s final fight is now all too clear—it wasn’t just a win on her record, it was her last stand in the sport she loved, fought through while silently enduring the early signs of a life-changing illness.

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‎Her strength, both inside and outside the ring, leaves an enduring legacy of courage, resilience, and inspiration.