The world of boxing is in mourning following the tragic passing of 25-year-old Paul McCullagh Junior. Hailing from Belfast, McCullagh had an impressive amateur career, securing the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019 and representing Ireland in an international match against the Netherlands.
With two wins to his name, McCullagh, also 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.
As the grandson of the renowned Belfast boxing coach Paul McCullagh, he was part of a boxing legacy. Paul McCullagh, his grandfather, who trained boxing greats like Barry McGuigan and Hugh Russell, passed away at the age of 72 in October 2018 after dedicating years to coaching at the Immaculata amateur club.
McCullagh’s father, Paul, a professional referee and former champion amateur boxer, shared the family’s boxing lineage. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) expressed deep sadness over the loss of the young boxer, highlighting McCullagh’s achievements and expressing condolences to his family and the boxing community.
Former teammates and trainers paid heartfelt tributes to McCullagh, remembering him for his talent and friendship. The Belfast boxing community also joined in mourning the loss of McCullagh, offering condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.