Georgia O’Connor Cardinali, a 25-year-old English boxing star, passed away on May 22, 2025, after a battle with cancer. Known as “Geo,” she claimed her condition might have been preventable if doctors had acted sooner. In a heartfelt social media post, she detailed how medical professionals dismissed her symptoms for 17 weeks, delaying her diagnosis and allowing the cancer to spread.
Cardinali, a gold medalist at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and silver medalist at the 2017 Youth World Championships, turned pro in 2021, starting her career with three straight wins.
A Fighter’s Battle Against Medical Neglect
Cardinali shared her frustration in a social media post, writing:
“There’s really no easy way to say this, but I have cancer. Now that’s out the way, it’s time to expose the absolute incompetent RATS that have allowed this to happen. For 17 weeks since the start of October, I’ve been in constant pain, going back and forth between Durham and Newcastle RVI A&E knowing deep down something was seriously wrong. I said from the start I felt it was cancer.”
She explained her heightened risk due to pre-existing conditions.
“I KNEW the risks. I have colitis and PSC, two diseases that dramatically increase the chances of getting it. I KNOW how high my risk is and they do too. They always did. But not one doctor f*cking listened to me. 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.”
Cardinali also revealed a life-threatening complication.
“And if that wasn’t enough, throughout this whole time there’s been BLOOD CLOTS all over my lungs. That ALONE could have killed me instantly. They could have done something before it got to this stage. But they didn’t. Because this is the state of the NHS — a broken system that fails young people like me over and over again. A system that makes people suffer, that sends them home in agony, that lets cancer spread whilst the thick, stupid, mindless ‘doctors’ shrug their shoulders.”
Despite the grim diagnosis, Cardinali remained defiant.
“They can say it’s terminal all they want. They can tell me I’m going to die. But after taking 17, SEVENTEEN weeks to even figure out what was wrong with me, why the fck should I believe them? I’m young, I’m fit and I am stronger than they’ll ever fcking understand. Mentally. Physically. Every single way. I’m still smiling and that smile will NEVER fade, no matter what.”
She expressed hope in her treatment plan, stating:
“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. Fck the doctors who failed me. Fuck the system that let this happen. And when I beat this like I’ve beat everything that’s tried to end me before, they’re all going to get what’s fcking coming to them.”
Tragically, Cardinali passed away before she could fulfill her vow to overcome the disease.
A Bright Career Cut Short
Cardinali’s boxing journey began with remarkable promise. Born in England, she rose through the amateur ranks, earning a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and a silver at the 2017 Youth World Championships. She also secured medals at the European Championships, cementing her status as a standout talent. England Boxing praised her as “a gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community” in a statement on X following her death.
Turning professional in 2021, Cardinali won her first three fights, showcasing the skill and determination that made her a fan favorite. Her aggressive style and fearless spirit earned her respect in the ring, drawing comparisons to top boxers of her generation.
The boxing world mourned her loss deeply. BOXXER, a prominent boxing promotion, posted on X, “Remembering our friend Georgia O’Connor and her fearless fighting spirit. Rest in peace, Geo,” alongside a tribute image. Fans echoed this sentiment, with posts on X expressing heartbreak and frustration over her experience with the healthcare system. One user wrote, “Socialized Medicine for those who think it is better,” highlighting the controversy surrounding her delayed diagnosis.
Remembering our friend Georgia O’Connor and her fearless fighting spirit. Rest in peace, Geo 🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8SjZGACGUF
— BOXXER (@boxxer) May 22, 2025
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.
A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.
Our thoughts are with her loved ones 🖤#EnglandBoxing pic.twitter.com/aWgnqpwVgN
— England Boxing (@England_Boxing) May 22, 2025
Cardinali’s story has ignited discussions about the NHS and patient advocacy. Her outspoken criticism of the medical system’s failures, coupled with her tragic outcome, underscores the need for better responsiveness to patients with known risk factors. Her passing leaves a void in the boxing community, where her talent and resilience will be remembered.
