Belfast boxer Paul McCullagh Jr passes away after short illness
Tributes have been paid to Belfast boxer Paul McCullagh Jr, who has sadly died at the age of 25 following a brief illness.
McCullagh made his mark in the sport as an amateur by claiming the Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019, before going on to win both of his professional bouts.
Boxing runs deep in the McCullagh family, with his father and grandfather both celebrated amateur champions.
His grandfather, Paul, who died in 2018, was renowned for coaching notable fighters such as Barry McGuigan, Hugh Russell and the current IBF welterweight champion, Anthony Cacace. His father, also named Paul, is well-established as a referee.
McCullagh Jr trained at St John Bosco Belfast and his family's own McCullagh's ABC, securing his inaugural title in 2012.
After triumphing at the Ulster Elites in 2019, he went on to represent both Ulster and Ireland internationally before turning professional. He won his debut fight against Anthony Woolery in 2020 and followed up with a victory over Ben Thomas in 2021.
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association expressed its "deepest condolences to Paul's family, club and loved ones".