Overview
- The Irish Athletic Boxing Association confirmed McCullagh Jr died on New Year’s Day at age 25.
- His father said doctors found cancer in his blood and bones after a recent collapse and described it as an aggressive bone cancer.
- McCullagh Jr was the Ulster Elite heavyweight champion in 2019 and later represented Ulster and Ireland before going 2-0 as a professional in 2020–2021.
- He came from a renowned Belfast boxing family, with a grandfather who coached notable champions and a father who is a former amateur champion and professional referee.
- Tributes were posted by figures including Carl Frampton, Barry McGuigan and Aidan Walsh, and a family notice lists the funeral for 6 January at St. Luke’s Church in Belfast.