Paul McCullagh Jr fought out of St John Bosco ABC in west Belfast, as well as the family club McCullagh’s ABC.
The 25-year-old is understood to have passed away after a short illness.
Paul’s amateur boxing journey began over a decade ago before he secured a professional contract in 2019.
He comes from a family of fighters, with his grandfather being a respected coach in the sport who mentored combat stars such as Barry McGuigan.
Meanwhile, the young sportsman’s father, also named Paul, is a former champion amateur boxer and professional referee.
Gerard McCafferty, coach with the St John Bosco club and a good friend of Paul Jr, said that everyone woke up on New Year’s Day to the “sad news”.
“Our big gentle giant Paul McCullagh has passed away,” he said.
“At this sad time can I ask you all to pray for his parents Paul and Paula, and for his family circle.
“I know today is supposed to be a new day, in a new year, but it is a hard day for all of us.
“But big Paul would be the first to tell us: ‘Don’t worry, I’m in heaven with my granny and granda, safe in the arms of Jesus.’
“God bless you Paul, we are all the better for your time here on earth with us all.”
St Paul’s Antrim ABC offered a tribute to the boxer, saying he was “a credit to Irish boxing”.
They added: “On behalf of everyone at St Paul’s Boxing Club, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and all at St. John Bosco Belfast and McCullagh’s ABC. Paul’s achievements and his proud boxing heritage made him a credit to Irish boxing. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, Paul.”
Known as ‘The Irish Drago’, Paul won his first boxing title in 2012 followed by an Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019. That year he would also go on to compete in New York and fight for Ireland in the Netherlands.
A spokesperson for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) also extended their “deepest condolences” to the McCullagh family.
“Paul turned pro after his 2019 success, and recorded a number of wins,” they said. “Paul’s grandfather and father were both champion amateur boxers, the latter boxing out of Immaculata BC. Paul’s grandfather was a highly regarded pro and amateur coach and his father is a pro referee.”
Clonard ABC offered their sympathies to the late fighter, writing: “Sad news this morning on the passing of Paul McCullagh Jr. A top class boxer and a real gentleman condolences to the entire McCullagh family may he rest in peace from all at Clonard boxing club.”
Paul McCullagh Jr
News Catch Up – Thursday 1 January
Canal Boxing Academy in Lisburn also paid tribute, saying: “On behalf of everyone at Canal Boxing Club, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul McCullagh’s Jnr family, friends, and all at St. John Bosco Belfast and McCullagh’s ABC. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. RIP Paul”
Jonathan O’Brien, who trained Paul, shared: “Rest in peace my boy, loved you like my son. You’re in heaven with your grandad Paul.”
Belfast Boxers said: “Heartbreaking way to start the year. Paul McCullagh Jnr has passed away after a short illness condolences to his family and friends especially at St John Bosco boxing club Belfast Rest in peace big man.”
Bridges Beyond Boxing is a collaborative venture between the Irish amateur boxing community and boxing communities in various cities throughout the United States. The Detroit branch stated: “With an incredibly heavy heart, we regret to announce the passing of Paul McCullough Jr after a short illness.
“Paul was a captain of team Ireland in Detroit and fell in love with our city. His family then responded by opening their doors in Belfast to many young Detroit Boxers visiting Ireland. Gone far too soon with so much more to give this world. Deepest condolences to the McCullough family in this time.”
Paul’s loss has sent shockwaves across the local community with hundreds of mourners taking to social media to extend their commiserations.
One mourner wrote: “Heartbreaking news. Paul was a gentleman and a great boxer with a heart of gold, RIP.
Another boxing enthusiast social media page noted Paul’s undefeated professional record.
“Paul was a decorated amateur boxer with St John Bosco, Belfast and won Ulster Elite titles and represented Ireland,” they said.
“He was also undefeated in the professional ranks and proudly followed in the great boxing footsteps of his father, Paul and grandfather Paul Sr. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”