Georgia O’Connor, a promising British professional boxer, tragically passed away at the age of 25 on May 22, 2025. Her death came just two weeks after she married her longtime partner, Adriano Cardinali. O’Connor’s journey was marked by remarkable achievements in the boxing world and a courageous battle against health challenges.

Early Life and Boxing Career

Born on February 18, 2000, in Durham, England, Georgia O’Connor displayed exceptional athletic talent from a young age. She began her boxing career as an amateur, achieving significant success. Notably, she won a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and secured silver and bronze medals at the Youth World Championships in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Her amateur success paved the way for her transition to professional boxing in 2021.

Professional Achievements

As a professional, O’Connor remained undefeated with a 3-0 record. Her most recent bout was in October 2022 against Joyce Van Ee at The O2 Arena in London. Beyond boxing, she was a multi-talented individual, excelling in taekwondo, and kickboxing, and even pursuing a degree in civil engineering. O’Connor was also known for her musical talents, often sharing performances of her guitar and singing skills on social media.

Health Struggles and Advocacy

In October 2024, O’Connor began experiencing persistent pain and health issues. Despite her medical history of ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis conditions known to increase cancer risk—she faced significant delays in diagnosis. She publicly criticized the medical community for dismissing her symptoms, stating that doctors ignored her pleas for tests and scans. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with cancer, which she described as “incurable” in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Adding to her challenges, O’Connor suffered a miscarriage earlier in the year. Despite these hardships, she remained resilient, sharing her journey with her followers and continuing to inspire many with her strength and determination.

Personal Life and Final Days

On May 9, 2025, O’Connor married Adriano Cardinali, marking a joyful milestone in her life. She shared the news with her followers, expressing her happiness and love. Just two weeks later, on May 22, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage and perseverance. Tributes and Legacy.

Following her passing, tributes poured in from the boxing community and beyond. Her promoter, Boxxer, described her as “a true warrior inside and outside the ring,” emphasizing the profound impact she had on those who knew her. Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom expressed his condolences, stating, “My heart goes out to Georgia’s parents and partner, who I know did everything they could tirelessly and are going through so much right now.”

O’Connor’s story has sparked discussions about the importance of listening to patients and the need for timely medical intervention. Her advocacy for better healthcare practices continues to resonate, inspiring others to speak up about their health concerns.

Remembering Georgia O’Connor

Georgia O’Connor’s life, though short, was filled with remarkable achievements and unwavering strength. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to sports, her advocacy for health awareness, and the inspiration she provided to countless individuals. As we remember her, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, resilience, and the enduring impact one life can have on the world.