The boxing world is mourning the loss of a true ring craftsman. Mike McCallum — a three-division world champion, Hall of Famer, and the first Jamaican fighter to win a world title — passed away Saturday in Las Vegas at the age of 68. Nicknamed “The Bodysnatcher” for his ruthless and clinical body attack, McCallum carved out a storied career across three weight classes and became one of the most respected technicians of his era. A 1976 Olympian, McCallum first struck gold in October 1984, when he captured the WBA junior middleweight title at New York City's Madison Square Garden, outpointing Ireland’s Sean Mannion over fifteen rounds in a masterclass performance. In the ensuing years, he defeated Luigi Minchillo, Julain Jackson, Milton McCrory and Donald Curry before losing to Sumbu Kalambay. But McCallum continued to make history in October 1989, moving up in weight to dethrone Britain’s Herol Graham via split decision at London’s Royal Albert Hall fore the WBA middleweight title. In 1991, McCallum avenged the loss to Kalambay and fought to a draw with the great James Toney. After losing a decision to the prime Toney in 1992, McCallum bypassed super middleweight and went to light heavyweight, where his third crown came. After first being named interim champion, McCallum officially claimed the WBC title in July 1994, with a decision win over Australia’s Jeff Harding.

 

McCallum retired with a record of 49-5-1, with 36 knockouts — and perhaps most impressively, was never stopped in his career. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, his legacy as one of the most intelligent and technical fighters of the 1980s and 90s is secure. Even after hanging up the gloves, McCallum stayed close to the sport, training fighters and making regular appearances at boxing events in Las Vegas, where he lived and worked. 

 

Boxingtalk joins the rest of the boxing world in honoring this great champion and sending its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the great Mike McCallum.