Popular Belfast fighter Marco McCullough hangs up his gloves

Marco McCullough has retired from boxing.

The popular Belfast fighter was denied the chance to box in October on medical grounds and has since decided not to risk his health further by fighting on.

McCullough broke the news on social media this afternoon. He admitted it was extremely difficult decision but one he felt he had to take for the good of his health and his family.

‘I haven’t taken this decision lightly, but the risk to my health just isn’t worth it. I have to think of longevity and put my family first for a change,” the 30-year-old said.

It’s a disappointing moment for the ticket seller, but he bows with happy memories.

“I’m going out on a high and I have been part of some excellent fights and picked up a few belts along the way.”

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/EsjX63aRFu

— Marco McCullough (@mccullough_marc) December 4, 2019

Frustratingly for McCullough’s loyal support he retires after one of the best wins of his career.

The super featherweight pulled out a brilliant power shot to stop Declan Geraghty on a #MTKFightNight May. The manner of the win and the IBF ranking title that was picked up seemed put McCullough back on the big fight path. Indeed, he was handed a notable fight in October, but had to pull out at relatively late notice and he has retired for since for health reasons.

McCullough entertained right from the start when he debuted against Eddie Nesbit back in 2011. He enjoyed further early domestic wins over Michael Kelly and Noely O’Brien before he went onto beat former European Champion Willie Casey for the Irish title.

That victory put the Belfast fighter on the radar and at that time he was an important part of the Cyclone stable.

Two fights later and he topped a bill at the Waterfront and was involved in the Irish Fight of the Year, an all time classic with Martin Parlagi.

A possible career best performance on the undercard of Carl Frampton Kiko Martinez II came soon after.

McCullough handled Russian Dmitry Kirillov with relative ease as chief support to a world title fight.

Defeats to Isaac Lowe and Ryan Walsh denied McCullough British and Commonwealth success, but he was on course to working his way back to big fights before he had to call it a day.

We here at Irish-boxing.com would like to wish Marco all the best in what ever he decides to do in the future. Marco was always and gentleman and a pleasure to cover.