World Boxing News is sad to report that three-weight world champion Mike McCallum passed away this weekend at the age of 68.
The Jamaican star enjoyed a sixteen-year professional boxing career, winning world championships at super welterweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight.
McCallum ended his long tenure in 1995 after losses to Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney. He fought Toney three times without success.
In a superb run between 1987 and 1990, McCallum defeated Don Curry, Herol Graham, Steve Collins, and Michael Watson.
Before his retirement, McCallum enjoyed a four-year run as WBA champion at 154. He also held the WBA version at 160 pounds for two years, between 1989 and 1991. McCallum then held the WBC light heavyweight title until losing it in Lyon, France, against Fabrice Tiozzo in 1995.
Boasting a granite chin, McCallum never got stopped in 55 bouts. At the same time, he scored 36 knockouts from his 49 wins.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted the ‘Body Snatcher’ in 2003. In 2011,
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, released a statement on McCallum’s passing.
“It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica’s three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum,” she said. “I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings, and children.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Sports, I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican.
“We hope they find strength in this time of bereavement. I urge you to keep them in your prayers.”
According to reports, McCallum fell ill in Las Vegas when on his way to the gym. He thoughtfully pulled his car to the side of the road to avoid a collision with other vehicles.
However, in a somber twist, police found the boxing legend unresponsive in his car a short time later on Saturday.
WBN would like to offer condolences to the McCallum family at this time.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay and learn more about the author. Phil Jay is an experienced boxing writer and Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010.
