The Belfast boxing community are mourning the loss of Paul McCullagh Jr, who has died aged 25 after a short illness.McCullagh has been remembered as an ‘absolute gentleman’ with a ‘charming, beautiful soul.’McCullagh described fulfilling a ‘childhood dream’ after a successful professional boxing debut in 2020GettyHe was 2-0 as a professional boxer and well known in Belfast, having become Ulster Elite heavyweight champion in 2019, which prompted his decision to turn pro.‘Irish Drago’ was the grandson of legendary coach Paul, who passed away in October 2018, having mentored the likes of Barry McGuigan and current IBO super-featherweight champion Anthony Cacace.His father, also named Paul, was a champion amateur boxer and works as a professional referee in the sport.McCullagh Jr, who won his first title in 2012, represented both Ulster and Ireland in the amateur scene and fought out of St John Bosco Belfast as well as his family’s McCullagh’s ABC.He stopped Ben Thomas on his pro debut in October 2020 before defeating Anthony Woolery six months later.Paul McCullagh Jr ‘an extremely talented boxer’ who ‘had time for everyone’The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) extended its ‘deepest condolences to Paul’s family, club and loved ones.’Tributes have since flooded in, with Olympic bronze medallist and McCullagh’s amateur teammate Aidan Walsh writing on Instagram that he would ‘never forget our memories together.’St Paul’s ABC said: “Paul’s achievements and his proud boxing heritage made him a credit to Irish boxing. “Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, Paul.”Boxing Tickets NI said on X: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this terrible time. An extremely talented boxer and an absolute gentleman. You’ll be deeply missed by all who knew you” View this post on Instagram Responding to the news, one boxing fan wrote: “Truly heartbreaking news. “Never mind his attributes in the ring, Paul was just a lovely fella. Deepest condolences to the McCullagh family and the many whose lives he touched.”Another said: “Heartbreaking to hear this, Paul was an absolute gentle giant, had time for everyone and never without a smile! My prayers are with his family at this terrible time.”A third added: “Such a charming, beautiful soul, manners from a time gone by. “Met him on a flight, strangers on a plane, he was young, I was old, great conversation and lots of laughs. I am so sad today to hear this; it’s just so heartbreaking. Great big fella he was.”After finishing Thomas in three rounds in Wakefield on his pro debut in 2020, McCullagh described fulfilling a childhood dream through his triumph.McCullagh touched the lives of many in the Belfast boxing community during his careerGetty“It’s my childhood dream to be a professional, so I’m in no rush,” he said.“I made my childhood dream come true, and when I can get out again, I’ll get out. “I’ve a good manager and team behind me, so it’s up to my manager to make that call. “I’ll be ready when my coach knows I’m ready, so I’ll just take each fight as it comes. I don’t talk outside the ring – I’ll just fight.”