The boxing community is grieving the loss of 25-year-old Paul McCullagh Junior, who tragically passed away. Hailing from Belfast, McCullagh had a successful amateur career, securing the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019 and representing Ireland in an international match against the Netherlands.
With two victories in his professional record, McCullagh, known as ‘The Irish Drago’, competed for both the St. John Bosco club in West Belfast and his family’s McCullagh’s ABC in Dunmurry.
He was the grandson of the renowned Belfast boxing coach Paul McCullagh, who trained boxing legends like Barry McGuigan and Hugh Russell. McCullagh’s father, also named Paul, a former amateur champion boxer and a professional referee, shared a deep connection with the sport.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) expressed profound sadness over McCullagh’s passing, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the sport. Aidan Walsh, a former teammate, and Jonathan O’Brien, his trainer, paid heartfelt tributes to McCullagh, remembering him fondly.
The Belfast boxing community also joined in mourning McCullagh’s untimely death, conveying condolences to his family and friends, particularly at the St. John Bosco boxing club.