The boxing community is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of 25-year-old Paul McCullagh Junior, hailing from Belfast. McCullagh, known as ‘The Irish Drago’, had a successful amateur career, winning the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019 and representing Ireland in international competitions against the Netherlands.
In his professional career, McCullagh achieved two victories, with his most recent fight occurring in April 2021. He was associated with the St. John Bosco club in West Belfast and his family’s McCullagh’s ABC in Dunmurry.
Paul McCullagh Junior was the grandson of the renowned Belfast boxing coach Paul McCullagh, who trained boxing legends 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 profound sadness over McCullagh’s untimely death, highlighting his accomplishments and contributions to the sport. Former teammates and trainers, including Aidan Walsh and Jonathan O’Brien, paid heartfelt tributes to McCullagh, remembering him as a beloved figure in the boxing community.
The Belfast boxing fraternity also mourned McCullagh’s passing, offering condolences to his family, friends, and the St. John Bosco boxing club. It is a somber moment for the sport as they remember the legacy left behind by Paul McCullagh Junior.