Mike McCallum

Mike McCallum, the Hall of Fame boxer from Jamaica who held championships in three different weight classes, died May 31, 2025, in Las Vegas at the age of 68.

Often called "The Bodysnatcher" thanks to his ability to deliver devastating body blows, McCallum was a champion amateur boxer throughout the 1970s who smashed his way to a silver medal at the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games. His amateur career also included National AAU Welterweight and National Golden Gloves Welterweight championships in 1977, plus gold medals at the 1978 Central American Games, Caribbean Games, and Commonwealth Games. After going pro in 1981, his success continued. He earned a world championship in 1984 at super welterweight, moved to middleweight and did it again, then in 1994, as a light heavyweight, completed his trifecta of championships while in his late 30s. In 2003, McCallum's long run of success earned him entry into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The great boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas said of McCallum, "When great talent blends with technique and instincts, you get something special. You get Mike McCallum," while friend Jacob Duran said, "Fighters knew he was high risk for little reward. You didn't want to see legend Mike 'Body Snatcher' McCallum in the other corner. Proud to have been in your corner and as a friend to have you in mine."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)