Just weeks after sharing a hopeful message of love and resilience, this sports star’s story has taken a heartbreaking turn — but the impact she made in and out of the ring is only beginning to come into focus.
British boxer Georgia O’Connor has died at the age of 25, following a long battle with what was described as a rare and aggressive form of incurable cancer.
The athlete passed away less than two weeks after marrying her longtime partner, Adriano, whom she frequently praised for his unwavering support throughout her illness.
Hailing from County Durham, O’Connor enjoyed a decorated amateur career. In 2017, she captured gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games, followed by a silver medal at the World Youth Championships later that same year.
The following year, she added a bronze medal to her growing list of accolades in the same international tournament. Transitioning to the professional arena in 2021, O’Connor remained undefeated in her three fights before being diagnosed with cancer in October 2024.
Her final bout took place on the undercard of the highly anticipated clash between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields in October 2022.
O’Connor went public with her diagnosis on January 31, 2025, through an emotionally charged Instagram message, expressing frustration with the medical care she received.
She revealed that her symptoms had been dismissed for months by several doctors, despite her medical history, which included ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis — both of which increase cancer risk.
She wrote, “Not one doctor took me seriously. Not one doctor did the scans or blood tests I begged for whilst crying on the floor in agony. Instead, they dismissed me. They gaslit me, told me it was nothing, made me feel like I was overreacting. They refused to scan me. They refused to investigate. They REFUSED to listen. One even told me that it’s ‘all in my head.’ And now? Now the cancer has spread.”
O’Connor’s post described the pain of being ignored by medical professionals for 17 weeks while navigating emergency departments in Durham and Newcastle.
“I’m still smiling and that smile will NEVER fade, no matter what. We’ve already got an amazing oncologist on my case and we’ve made sure I’m going to have the best treatment and healing possible. Starting NOW,” expressed the young woman.
On May 12, 2025, O’Connor shared what would become her final Instagram post — a photo of her and Adriano’s hands showing their wedding bands. The caption read, “09.05.2025. The day I married the love of my life.”
In a February 3 Instagram post, the boxing star described the support she received from her husband throughout her illness.
“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… Whilst the doctors who neglected me are stuck in their ways, he’s out there driving across Europe, finding treatments they don’t even know exist,” penned O’Connor.
She continued, “Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate… 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.”
In April 2024, O’Connor opened up publicly about her experience living with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition she was diagnosed with in February 2023. Speaking to the BBC, she emphasized the importance of perseverance and openness for others facing similar struggles.
“I am luckily, physically able to still do what I love,” she said in the interview. “And I think anyone else that isn’t and is just suffering from any sort of illness that doesn’t stop them completely but hinders them and maybe makes them embarrassed, anxious or nervous, I think it’s important to push through those feelings and just talk to someone about it.”
Her remarks highlighted her desire to use her platform to uplift others navigating life-altering diagnoses and chronic illnesses.
Following O’Connor’s cancer diagnosis, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her treatment. The page confirmed that the boxer had been diagnosed with a “rare and aggressive” form of cancer, which doctors later labeled “incurable.”
Despite the prognosis, her family emphasized her unwavering spirit, noting, “Georgia does not accept this.”
They penned, “If you know Georgia, you know she is a fighter—always has been, always will be. As a boxer, she has spent many years pushing herself beyond limits, proving that strength isn’t just physical—it’s in the heart, in the mind, in the refusal to give up.”
The campaign noted that O’Connor aimed not only to fight for her life but also to inspire others, raise awareness, and challenge the implications of the word “incurable.”
With her partner Adriano supporting her full-time and her mother committed to being by her side, the fundraiser outlined their commitment to pursuing every possible avenue for treatment, including options not covered by the NHS.
“Right now, our only focus is Georgia—getting her what she needs—regardless of cost or location, or making sure she is never alone in this fight,” read the fundraiser’s description.
The page further emphasized her selfless desire to continue helping others even amid her own battle, “Georgia will continue to share her journey because she wants to help as many people as possible along the way. That’s who she is. That’s what makes her so special. That’s why she is loved beyond words.”
At the time of reporting, the campaign had raised £28,838 approximately ($38,860), surpassing its original £25,000 ($33,690) goal.
Following O’Connor’s passing, tributes flooded in from individuals and organizations deeply impacted by her life and legacy.
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness, a group she actively supported, shared news of her death in a heartfelt Facebook post. The organization highlighted her strength in facing cancer after living with ulcerative colitis and praised her unwavering support for others in the IBD community.
“Georgia’s spirit and determination inspired so many,” the post read, describing her as a true warrior who brought hope even in her final days.
Australian professional boxer Billy Dib also paid tribute, revealing the personal connection he had formed with O’Connor through social media and phone calls.
In his message, he recalled her kindness, compassion, and how she continued to check in on him despite fighting her illness. “Always kind. Always thoughtful. Always putting others before herself,” he expressed, adding a prayer for her soul.
Washington Boxing Club, where O’Connor had been a regular and supportive presence, mourned the loss of a friend and mentor. The club described her as a phenomenal talent who inspired young athletes by offering her time and spirit freely.
Her impact extended far beyond the ring, as they wrote, “Her presence brought inspiration, her spirit brought warmth, and her passion for the sport lifted everyone around her.”
O’Connor’s death marks the end of a life defined by resilience, advocacy, and excellence both in and outside the boxing ring. From battling chronic illness to championing awareness and inspiring those around her, her legacy endures through the lives she touched and the causes she championed.