The boxing community is grieving 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. Known as ‘The Irish Drago’, he had two professional wins and fought for both the St. John Bosco club in West Belfast and McCullagh’s ABC in Dunmurry.
McCullagh came from a family deeply rooted in boxing, with his grandfather being the renowned Belfast boxing coach Paul McCullagh, who passed away in 2018. His father, also named Paul, is a professional referee and a former champion amateur boxer. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association expressed profound sadness over McCullagh’s passing, highlighting his accomplishments and extending condolences to his family and loved ones.
Former teammates and trainers of McCullagh, including Aidan Walsh and Jonathan O’Brien, shared heartfelt tributes, remembering him fondly. The Belfast boxing community also paid respects to McCullagh, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.