The boxing community is mourning the tragic loss of Paul McCullagh Junior, a talented 25-year-old boxer from Belfast. McCullagh had a successful amateur career, winning the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019 and representing Ireland in international competitions. He had two professional wins, earning the nickname ‘The Irish Drago’ while competing for St. John Bosco club and his family’s McCullagh’s ABC.
McCullagh came from a boxing lineage, as his grandfather, renowned Belfast boxing coach Paul McCullagh, trained notable boxers like Barry McGuigan and Hugh Russell. His father, also named Paul, is a professional referee and a former champion amateur boxer.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) expressed deep sadness over McCullagh’s passing, highlighting his achievements in the sport. Former teammates and trainers, including Aidan Walsh and Jonathan O’Brien, paid heartfelt tributes to McCullagh, remembering him fondly. The Belfast Boxing community also joined in honoring McCullagh’s memory, offering condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.