Tributes have been paid to Belfast boxer Paul McCullagh Jr, who has handed away aged 25 after a brief sickness.

As an beginner, McCullagh was an Ulster Elite heavyweight champion in 2019 and gained each his fights as knowledgeable.

The McCullagh household is synonymous with boxing in Belfast and his father and grandfather have been each champion beginner boxers.

McCullagh’s grandfather, Paul, who handed away in 2018, was a highly-regarded coach for the likes of Barry McGuigan, Hugh Russell and present IBF welterweight champion Anthony Cacace, whereas his father, who can also be known as Paul, is a longtime referee.

McCullagh Jr was a member of St John Bosco Belfast in addition to his household’s McCullagh’s ABC, and gained his first title in 2012.

After his Ulster Elite success in 2019, he represented each Ulster and Eire on the worldwide stage earlier than he turned skilled, when he defeated Anthony Woolery on his debut in 2020 and gained in opposition to Ben Thomas the next 12 months.

The Irish Novice Boxing Affiliation stated it despatched its “deepest condolences to Paul’s household, membership and family members”.

Olympic bronze medallist Aidan Walsh stated on social media that he would “always remember our reminiscences collectively”.

St Paul’s Antrim ABC stated McCullagh Jr was a “credit score” to the game.

“Paul’s achievements and his proud boxing heritage made him a credit score to Irish boxing,” it posted on social media.

“Our ideas are with all who knew and beloved him at this very troublesome time.”