The boxing community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Paul McCullagh Junior, a talented 25-year-old fighter from Belfast. McCullagh had a successful amateur career, winning the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019 and representing Ireland in international competitions.
Nicknamed ‘The Irish Drago,’ McCullagh had two victories in his professional career, with his most recent fight occurring in April 2021. He fought for both the St. John Bosco club in West Belfast and his family’s McCullagh’s ABC in Dunmurry.
McCullagh came from a boxing lineage, being the grandson of the esteemed Belfast boxing coach Paul McCullagh. His grandfather, who coached at the Immaculata amateur club, passed away in 2018 at the age of 72 after mentoring boxing greats 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 untimely death, highlighting his achievements and extending condolences to his family, club, and friends.
Former teammate Aidan Walsh and trainer Jonathan O’Brien shared heartfelt tributes, reminiscing about their time with McCullagh. The Belfast Boxing community also joined in honoring McCullagh’s memory, offering condolences to his loved ones and the St. John Bosco boxing club.