Belfast boxer Paul McCullagh Jr has died on New Year's Day at the age of 25 following a brief illness, prompting an outpouring of grief from the Irish boxing community.
The young fighter, who carried the nickname "Irish Drago," maintained an unblemished professional record of two victories after transitioning from a distinguished amateur career.
Standing at 6ft 3in, McCullagh Jr competed as a light heavyweight and was a product of one of Belfast's most celebrated boxing dynasties.
His passing was confirmed by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, which expressed profound sadness at the loss of such a promising talent.
Tributes have poured in for Paul McCullagh Jr
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McCullagh Jr claimed his first boxing title back in 2012, but it was his triumph at the Ulster Elite heavyweight championship seven years later that proved the catalyst for his professional ambitions.
That pivotal year saw him represent Ulster High Performance in a contest against New York, whilst also earning selection for Ireland in a dual nations fixture against the Netherlands.
Upon turning professional in 2020, he made an immediate impression by stopping Ben Thomas in three rounds during his debut bout in Wakefield.
Six months later, he secured victory over Anthony Woolery, extending his unbeaten record before his final contest in 2021.
Barry McGuigan was trained by Paul McCullagh Jr's grandfather
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Boxing runs deep in the McCullagh bloodline, with three generations having made their mark on the sport in Belfast.
His grandfather, Paul, who died in October 2018, earned renown as a coach of exceptional calibre, guiding world champions including Barry McGuigan and Dave "Boy" McAuley, as well as reigning IBF welterweight titleholder Anthony Cacace.
The elder McCullagh also claimed amateur honours during his own competitive days.
McCullagh Jr's father, bearing the same Christian name, distinguished himself as a champion amateur boxer competing out of Immaculata BC before establishing McCullagh's ABC in Dunmurry.
He continues to serve the sport as a professional referee.
There has been an outpouring of grief over Paul McCullagh Jr's death
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Tributes have poured in from across the boxing fraternity, with St John Bosco Boxing Club, where McCullagh Jr trained during his formative years, describing him as "a true gentleman in every sense of the word, yet a formidable and powerful presence in the ring."
Olympic bronze medallist Aidan Walsh, a former teammate, wrote on social media: "RIP my big mate. I'll never forget our memories together."
Those who encountered him spoke of a gentle giant with impeccable manners and an ever-present smile.
One admirer recalled meeting him on a flight, describing him as possessing "a charming, beautiful soul, manners from a time gone by."