British boxer Paul McCullagh Junior, often known as ‘The Irish Drago’, has died on the age of 25.
Paul McCullagh Junior throws a proper shot at Antony Woolery. (Picture: Getty Pictures)
Tributes have been flooding in following the tragic dying of boxer Paul McCullagh Junior at simply 25 years of age. The Belfast-born fighter had carved out a powerful beginner profession, capturing the Ulster Elite heavyweight crown in 2019 and proudly donning the Irish vest in a twin nations conflict in opposition to the Netherlands.
He secured two victories within the skilled area, along with his ultimate triumph coming in April 2021. Often known as ‘The Irish Drago’, he cut up his coaching between the St. John Bosco membership in West Belfast and his household’s personal McCullagh’s ABC in Dunmurry, carrying on a proud boxing legacy.
He was the grandson of the revered Belfast champion coach, Paul McCullagh.
His grandfather, who devoted a few years to teaching on the Immaculata beginner membership, handed away at 72 in October 2018. The elder McCullagh had labored alongside boxing legends together with Barry McGuigan and Hugh Russell.
McCullagh’s father, additionally referred to as Paul, serves as an expert referee and was himself a champion beginner boxer.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Affiliation paid their respects, stating: “IABA is saddened by the passing of boxer, 25 12 months previous Paul McCullough Junior. A member of golf equipment together with St. John Bosco Belfast and his household’s McCullagh’s ABC, Paul gained his first title in 2012, and an Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019. In the identical 12 months Paul represented Ulster Excessive Efficiency in opposition to New York and represented Eire in a twin nations worldwide in opposition to the Netherlands.
“Paul turned professional after his 2019 success, and recorded plenty of wins. Paul’s grandfather and father have been each champion beginner boxers, the latter boxing out of Immaculata BC. Paul’s grandfather was a extremely regarded professional and beginner coach and his father is a professional referee. IABA extends deepest condolences to Paul’s household, membership and family members.”
Paul McCullagh Junior speaks throughout a TV interview. (Picture: Getty Pictures)
St Paul’s Boxing Membership expressed: “Paul’s achievements and his proud boxing heritage made him a credit score to Irish boxing. Our ideas are with all who knew and beloved him at this very troublesome time. Relaxation in peace, Paul.”
Aidan Walsh, McCullagh’s former beginner teammate, penned: “RIP my large mate I will always remember our reminiscences collectively.”
Jonathan O’Brien, who skilled McCullagh, mourned: “Relaxation in peace my boy, beloved you want my son. You are in heaven along with your grandad Paul.”
Belfast Boxers shared: “Heartbreaking solution to begin the 12 months. Paul McCullagh Jnr has handed away after a brief sickness condolences to his household and associates particularly at St John Bosco boxing membership Belfast Relaxation in peace large man.”
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