Georgia O’Connor, the undefeated British professional boxer and former Team GB athlete, died on 22 May 2025 at the age of 25. She had revealed earlier in the year that she was fighting cancer.
Born in Durham, England, on 18 February 2000, O’Connor built an impressive amateur career before turning professional in 2021. She won gold for England at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and added medals at the Youth World Championships.
Her death prompted tributes from across the boxing world, with her promoter BOXXER confirming the news and organisations such as England Boxing paying their respects.
What Was the Cause of Georgia O’Connor’s Death?
The cause of death was cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts. While some media reports described the cancer only as rare, aggressive, and incurable, consolidated accounts identify the specific diagnosis as cholangiocarcinoma.
Before the cancer diagnosis, O’Connor had been open about living with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. She also had primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a condition that affects the bile ducts and is known to increase the risk of bile duct cancer. For a more detailed explanation of the condition she lived with, see Ulcerative colitis: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
In January 2025, O’Connor announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and said she had been in constant pain. CNN and Olympics.com were among the outlets that covered her death, noting her previous battles with ulcerative colitis and PSC.
- Georgia O’Connor died at age 25 after a battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer linked to her pre-existing ulcerative colitis.
- She was an undefeated professional boxer and a decorated champion for England and Team GB.
- Her death prompted widespread tributes from the boxing community, including official statements from England Boxing and BBC Sport.
- Public records indicate she was married — her legal surname at death was Cardinali — but few details are confirmed.
- O’Connor announced her cancer diagnosis in January 2025 and described living in constant pain.
- She turned professional in 2021 and remained unbeaten, with a reported record of 3–0.
- She previously spoke publicly about living with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 February 2000, Durham, England |
| Died | 22 May 2025, aged 25 |
| Amateur highlights | Gold at 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games; medals at Youth World Championships |
| Turned professional | 2021 |
| Professional record | 3–0, undefeated |
| Final professional bout | October 2022 |
| Announced cancer diagnosis | January 2025 |
| Previously diagnosed with | Ulcerative colitis; primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) |
| Full legal name at death | Georgia Ann Cardinali (née O’Connor) |
| Death announced by | BOXXER |
Who Was Georgia O’Connor?
Georgia Ann Cardinali, known to the boxing world as Georgia O’Connor, was born on 18 February 2000 in Durham, England. According to her Wikipedia biography, she was an English professional boxer who began her career with an undefeated streak.
A Decorated Amateur Career
O’Connor’s amateur achievements included a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, where she represented England. She also earned medals at the Youth World Championships, establishing herself as one of the most promising young fighters in British boxing.
Professional Career and Record
O’Connor turned professional in 2021 and remained undefeated throughout her short career. BoxingScene reported her record as 3–0, with all three victories coming before her last bout in October 2022.
Living with Chronic Illness
Before her cancer diagnosis, O’Connor had been open about her health struggles. Reports differ on the exact timing of her colitis diagnosis, with some placing it in the 2010s and others suggesting it was around 2021 to 2023. She also lived with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and later said she believed something was seriously wrong because she had both conditions.
O’Connor’s history of ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) placed her at increased risk of developing bile duct cancer. She referenced both conditions when speaking about her health before the cancer diagnosis.
When Did Georgia O’Connor Die and What Was Her Age?
Georgia O’Connor died on 22 May 2025. She was 25 years old, having been born on 18 February 2000. Her death at such a young age added to the shock felt across the boxing community.
Her death was announced by her promoter, BOXXER, and covered widely by the British and international press. BBC Sport reported that she had been diagnosed with cancer after previously battling ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
A Career Cut Short
O’Connor’s professional career was brief but unblemished. She turned professional in 2021, won all three of her bouts, and last competed in October 2022. DAZN reported on her passing, describing her as a promising fighter taken far too soon.
The Final Months
After announcing her cancer diagnosis in January 2025 and describing her constant pain, O’Connor spent her final months away from the ring. The exact progression of her illness was not publicly detailed, with her family and management keeping further information private.
Was Georgia O’Connor Married?
At the time of her death, O’Connor’s legal surname was Cardinali, indicating that she was married. Public records list her full name as Georgia Ann Cardinali, née O’Connor.
However, few details about her marriage have been confirmed in available reporting. People magazine reported that she had married around two weeks before her death and that she had suffered a miscarriage earlier in 2025.
Some social media posts circulated speculative or unconfirmed claims about O’Connor’s personal life after her death. None have been verified by her family, promoter, or official sources.
How Did the Boxing Community Honor Georgia O’Connor?
The announcement of O’Connor’s death prompted an immediate outpouring of grief. Her promoter, BOXXER, confirmed the news, and England Boxing published a tribute describing her as a hugely talented boxer and much-loved member of the boxing community.
Fighters, coaches, and fans shared their condolences across social media, and outlets including EssentiallySports highlighted how her promising career had been interrupted by an incurable cancer diagnosis.
The wider boxing world has continued to reflect on her story alongside other major narratives in the sport, including the influence of figures such as Turki Alalshikh – Biography, Boxing, and Derby County Takeover.
What Were the Key Dates in Georgia O’Connor’s Life and Illness?
- — Born in Durham, England.
- 2010s (approximate) — Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
- 2017 — Won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games and earned medals at the Youth World Championships.
- 2021 — Turned professional in boxing.
- October 2022 — Fought her final professional bout, finishing with an undefeated 3–0 record.
- January 2025 — Announced her cancer diagnosis and described being in constant pain.
- — Died at the age of 25.
- Late May 2025 onwards — Tributes and memorials from England Boxing, BBC Sport, BOXXER, and the wider boxing community.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Georgia O’Connor?
The reporting around O’Connor’s death establishes several key facts, while other details remain private or unresolved.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Georgia O’Connor died on 22 May 2025. | The exact timeline of her cancer diagnosis and treatment is not fully detailed in public reporting. |
| The cause of death was cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). | Her husband’s name and the date of her wedding have not been publicly confirmed. |
| She suffered from ulcerative colitis before her cancer diagnosis. | There is no verified information about whether she had children. |
| She was an undefeated professional boxer and represented Team GB. | Some social media claims, including references to substance use on a Facebook page, are unsubstantiated. |
| Her full legal name at death was Georgia Ann Cardinali (née O’Connor). | The precise date of her ulcerative colitis diagnosis varies depending on the source. |
What Is Cholangiocarcinoma and How Is It Linked to Ulcerative Colitis?
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that develops in the bile ducts, the thin tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. The National Cancer Institute lists inflammatory bowel disease among the conditions associated with a higher risk of bile duct cancer.
People with chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis face an elevated risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma. In O’Connor’s case, she also had primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which further increases the likelihood of bile duct cancer.
O’Connor had referenced her colitis and PSC when explaining why she suspected something was seriously wrong. Additional context is available in Cholangiocarcinoma: rare bile duct cancer explained.
Cholangiocarcinoma is considered a rare cancer, but chronic inflammation of the bile ducts — whether from PSC or other conditions — is a recognised risk factor. The National Cancer Institute provides detailed information on the disease and its treatment.
What Have Official Sources Said About Georgia O’Connor?
Professional boxer Georgia O’Connor has died aged 25. She had been diagnosed with cancer after previously battling ulcerative colitis and primary…
— BBC Sport
A hugely talented boxer and much-loved member of the boxing community, Georgia inspired many with her achievements.
— England Boxing
Georgia Ann Cardinali (née O’Connor; 18 February 2000 – 22 May 2025) was an English professional boxer who began her career with an undefeated streak.
— Wikipedia
What Is Georgia O’Connor’s Lasting Legacy?
Georgia O’Connor’s legacy is defined by her achievements in the ring and her courage in confronting serious illness. She remained undefeated as a professional, represented her country at the highest amateur level, and inspired many through her openness about chronic disease. Her story, like that of other combat sports athletes such as Demetrious Johnson – MMA Record, Net Worth and UFC Career, reflects the determination required to compete at the highest level while carrying personal battles unseen by the public. She is remembered as a talented fighter taken far too soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia O’Connor
Where can I find Georgia O’Connor’s Wikipedia page?
The Wikipedia article for Georgia O’Connor is available at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_O’Connor. It includes her biography, boxing career, and details about her illness and death.
What is cholangiocarcinoma?
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer of the bile ducts. It has been linked to chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis, which Georgia O’Connor had.
Did Georgia O’Connor have ulcerative colitis?
Yes. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis before her cancer diagnosis and had spoken publicly about living with the condition.
Where was Georgia O’Connor from?
Georgia O’Connor was from Durham, England. She was born there on 18 February 2000.
How many fights did Georgia O’Connor win?
Georgia O’Connor was undefeated as a professional boxer, with a reported record of 3 wins and no losses. Her last professional fight took place in October 2022.
Did Georgia O’Connor have any children?
There is no confirmed information that she had children. Her obituary and tributes published after her death do not mention any children.
How old was Georgia O’Connor when she died?
Georgia O’Connor was 25 years old when she died. She was born on 18 February 2000 and passed away on 22 May 2025.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.