Northern Irish boxing star Paul McCullagh Jr has died at the age of 25 following a short illness.

McCullagh Jr, who had won both of his fights since turning professional in 2020 and was a heavyweight champion as an amateur, passed away on New Year’s Day.

His father, Paul, was a champion amateur boxer and his grandfather, also called Paul, won an amateur title and coached the likes of Barry McGuigan and IBF welterweight champion Anthony Cacace.

Tributes have been paid to McCullagh Jr from across the boxing world.

Aidan Walsh, Olympic bronze medallist at welterweight at Tokyo 2020, said he would ‘never forget our memories together’.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association said in a statement: ‘IABA is saddened by the passing of boxer, 25-year-old Paul McCullagh Junior.

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Northern Irish boxing star Paul McCullagh Jr has died at the age of 25

‘A member of clubs including St. John Bosco Belfast and his family’s McCullagh’s ABC, Paul won his first title in 2012, and an Ulster Elite heavyweight title in 2019. In the same year Paul represented Ulster High Performance against New York and represented Ireland in a dual nations international against the Netherlands.

‘Paul turned pro after his 2019 success, and recorded a number of wins. Paul’s grandfather and father were both champion amateur boxers, the latter boxing out of Immaculata BC. Paul’s grandfather was a highly regarded pro and amateur coach and his father is a pro referee.

‘IABA extends deepest condolences to Paul’s family, club and loved ones.’

An unnamed representative from McCullagh Jr’s boxing club told the Irish Times that ‘Paul was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, yet a formidable and powerful presence in the ring’.

‘You could not meet a nicer person than young Paul,’ they added.