Paul McCullagh Jr's cause of death revealed: Father gives heartbreaking update on how boxer, 25, was 'sick for months before going for tests' and was a 'warrior to the end while I fell apart'
The 25-year-old Northern Irishman, who was an amateur heavyweight champion and had won both of his fights since turning professional in 2020, tragically passed away on New Year's Day.
By CIARAN FOREMAN, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 10:12 GMT, 2 January 2026 | Updated: 11:14 GMT, 2 January 2026
Boxing star Paul McCullagh Jr died following a short battle with an aggressive form of bone cancer, his father has revealed.
The 25-year-old Northern Irishman, who was an amateur heavyweight champion and had won both of his fights after turning professional in 2020, tragically passed away on New Year's Day.
Known as the Irish Drago for his resemblance to the antagonist from the Sylvester Stallone movie Rocky IV, McCullagh Jr was destined to be boxer. His father, Paul, was a champion amateur as was his late grandfather, who coached the likes of Barry McGuigan and current IBF welterweight champion Anthony Cacace.
Mr McCullagh Sr, who owns a boxing club near Belfast where his son would train ahead of his bouts, paid an emotional tribute to his boy who was a 'warrior until the very end'.
'He was my dream son, a kid a father couldn't be more proud of,' he told Irish News. 'Anyone I spoke to always said that is one lad any parent would be proud to have and by the grace of God he has been my son for a short time.'
McCullagh Jr had been battling sickness for months before collapsing last week while his father was by his side. McCullagh Sr rushed him to hospital and tests revealed cancer in his blood and bones.
Boxer Paul McCullagh Jr died following a short battle with an aggressive form of bone cancer
His father Paul says his son was a 'warrior until the very end' as he paid an emotional tribute
The late boxer's father said: 'When the doctor was trying to tell him he had cancer in his blood and bones, they were taking ages to tell him, so he said "Doctor, is it cancer?"
'She then just said to him "it's in your blood and bones". He just turned to me and said "don't you worry Daddy it's in the hands of God". A warrior to the end. Of course I fell apart.'
Mr McCullagh says his son, who won his first title in 2012, was a 'true gent' and that he will 'miss him every second of every day'.
Tributes continue to flood in for the young fighter from across the boxing world.
'Heartbreaking to hear the terrible news about the very talented Paul [McCullagh] Jnr,' wrote former world champion Carl Frampton on X. 'Deepest sympathies to his Dad, Paul and the rest of his family and friends.'