British professional boxer Georgia O’Connor, also known as Georgia Cardinali, has tragically passed away at the age of 25 following a courageous battle with cancer. Her death on May 22, 2025, came just two weeks after marrying her longtime partner, Adriano Cardinali. People.com+3MMAmania.com+3People.com+3MMAmania.com+6People.com+6Wikipedia+6
O’Connor was a rising star in the boxing world, having turned professional in 2021 and maintaining an undefeated record of 3-0. Her amateur career was equally impressive, with accolades including a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and a silver at the 2017 Youth World Championships. Wikipedia+2The Sun+2LOS40+2MMAmania.com+3Wikipedia+3The Sun+3
Beyond the ring, O’Connor was a multifaceted individual. She held a black belt in Taekwondo, was a three-time national champion in the discipline, and remained undefeated in kickboxing. Academically, she pursued a degree in civil engineering and was fluent in French, having lived in France during her childhood. Her artistic talents included playing the guitar and singing, which she often shared on social media. WikipediaThe Sun
In early 2025, O’Connor was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She had long suffered from ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, conditions that significantly increased her cancer risk. Despite experiencing severe symptoms, she claimed that her concerns were repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals, leading to a delayed diagnosis. O’Connor openly criticized the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for what she described as negligence, stating that her pleas for scans and tests were ignored. FightPost: Boxing & MMA News+4The Sun+4The Irish Sun+4The Sun+3People.com+3Wikipedia+3People.comMMAmania.com
Her final months were marked by both profound challenges and moments of joy. In addition to her health struggles, O’Connor suffered a miscarriage earlier in the year. Nevertheless, she found happiness in her personal life, marrying Adriano Cardinali on May 9, 2025. Her last Instagram post celebrated their wedding, showcasing their hands adorned with wedding rings and a bouquet of white roses. People.com+1People.com+1The Sun+5People.com+5Wikipedia+5
The boxing community has been deeply affected by her passing. Tributes have poured in from fellow athletes and organizations, with many highlighting her resilience and spirit. BOXXER, her promotion company, honored her as a “true warrior inside and outside the ring.” The SunThe Irish Sun+1People.com+1
Georgia O’Connor’s legacy extends beyond her athletic achievements. Her openness about her health struggles and her advocacy for better medical attention have sparked conversations about patient care and the importance of listening to individuals’ concerns. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for improvements in healthcare responsiveness
