The Northern Irish boxing community is in mourning following the tragic death of rising professional boxer Paul McCullagh Jr at the age of 25.
A Promising Career Cut Short
McCullagh Jr, a talented heavyweight, passed away on New Year's Day after what has been described as a short illness. He had turned professional in 2020 and boasted a perfect record, winning both of his fights in the paid ranks.
His success was built on a formidable amateur career where he claimed an Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019. That same year, he represented both Ulster High Performance in a match against New York and fought for Ireland in a dual nations international against the Netherlands.
A Formidable Boxing Legacy
Boxing excellence ran deep in the McCullagh family. Paul's father, also named Paul, was a champion amateur boxer and now works as a professional referee. His grandfather, another Paul, was also an amateur title winner and a highly respected coach who worked with legends like Barry McGuigan and current IBF welterweight champion Anthony Cacace.
Paul Jr was a member of several clubs, including St. John Bosco Belfast and his family's own gym, McCullagh's ABC. He won his first boxing title back in 2012.
Heartfelt Tributes from the Boxing World
The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the sport. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) released a statement expressing its deep sadness and extending condolences to his family, club, and loved ones.
Aidan Walsh, who won an Olympic bronze medal for Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 games, paid a personal tribute, saying he would 'never forget our memories together'.
An unnamed representative from his boxing club told the Irish Times that 'Paul was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, yet a formidable and powerful presence in the ring'. They added, 'You could not meet a nicer person than young Paul.'
The sudden loss of such a young and promising athlete, with a rich family history in the sport, has left a profound sense of sadness in Northern Irish boxing and beyond.
