Jamaican-born Mike McCallum (49-5-1, 36 KOs) has sadly passed away at just 68-years-old.
According to the Jamaica Observer, retired boxer McCallum fell ill while driving to a gym in Las Vegas. He was forced to pull off the road and was then found to be unresponsive and later pronounced dead on May 31, 2025.
As an amateur, he amassed an outstanding record of 240–10, culminating in winning a Commonwealth gold medal for Jamaica in 1978.
Known as “The Bodysnatcher”, McCallum turned pro in 1981 and won his first 14 bouts by KO.
He held world championships in three different weight classes, including the WBA super-welterweight title from 1984 to 1988; the WBA middleweight title from 1989 to 1991; and the WBC light-heavyweight title from 1994 to 1995.
Jamaica’s sport minister Olivia Grange wrote on Instagram: “It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica’s three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum.
“I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sport, 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.”
The WBC paid tribute to their legendary champion: “The entire World Boxing Family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mike McCallum. Goodbye Dear Champion. Sail swift on a billowing trade wind. You will forever be remembered.”
Read the full article here
