Farewell to boxing’s “body snatcher”: who was Mike McCallum and what was the cause of his death?

The boxing world is mourning the sudden passing of Mike McCallum, the legendary Jamaican fighter known as The Bodysnatcher, at the age of 68.

According to reports, McCallum fell ill while driving to the gym in Las Vegas on May 31, 2025, forcing him to pull off the road. Emergency responders later found him unresponsive and pronounced him dead.

Jamaica’s first boxing world champion

McCallum, a three-time world champion, was Jamaica’s first boxer to claim a world title, earning his place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. His devastating body punches made him one of the most feared fighters of his era.

McCallum made history as the country’s first world champion when he claimed the WBA junior middleweight title by defeating Irish fighter Sean Mannion at Madison Square Garden in October 1984.

Over his illustrious career, McCallum amassed an impressive record of 49 wins (36 by knockout), 5 losses (none by KO), and 1 draw. He remained undefeated from his professional debut in 1981 until March 1988, when he suffered his first loss by unanimous decision against Sumbu Kalambay.

He continued to fight into the early 1990s, engaging in a fierce rivalry with James Toney over the IBF middleweight title. Their first bout in December 1991 ended in a draw, while their rematch in August 1992 saw Toney emerge victorious by decision.

In November 1996, Mike faced the undefeated Roy Jones Jr. for the WBC interim light heavyweight title in Tampa, Florida. Despite his experience, McCallum struggled against Jones’ speed and precision, ultimately losing by unanimous decision.

McCallum’s last bout

McCallum’s final professional bout came in February 1997, when he completed his trilogy against James Toney for the World Boxing Union cruiserweight title. After twelve hard-fought rounds, he once again fell short, losing by unanimous decision.

It marked the end of an illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s most skilled and respected champions.

The cause of death has not been confirmed although it is suspected that McCallum died of a heart attack.

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