Comments Thread For: Mike McCallum, one of the greats, passes away aged 68

[Jamesboxing]

A very underrated champion and probably one of the best body punchers you’ll ever watch. 3 weight world champion, never got stopped in any of his losses even tho he said Roy jones was the greatest fighter he’d ever seen and fought he still went the whole 12 and stayed in there at nearly 40 years old with a prime Roy when people were expecting him to just get ironed out.

[siablo14]

RIP to a legendary Jamaican!

[thack]

Very sad to hear . Mike was one of may all time favourite fighters , I had the pleasure of a quick conversation with him when he was involved with Herbie Hide . He would have beaten most of the so called top guys had they have not swerved him . RIP champ , you won't be forgotten.

[Bennyleonard99]

It was because it was a different era and generation back then. Mike McCallum didn’t become into prominence until the end of the 1980s decade.

I am not making any excuses but by that time; Both Hagler and Leonard had retired by then. However, Duran and Hearn were available though.

He won the title in 84 and surely would have gone up to 160 to fight one of the kings. The story was McCallum wrecked the top five guys at Kronk and then they wouldn't spar him anymore. That's why he left Kronk and switched his base to NYC, no one would spar him in Detroit after it became evident he was too good. The word spread fast. I talked with his former manager today Mario Costa, who told me some interesting stories. He beat a Kronk fighter in Miami David Braxton and the day before the fight Don King tried to cut his $200,000 in half to $100,000. But he fought anyway and whopped him in 2. Mario told Terence Crawford that he reminded him of McCallum because of his body shots and demeanor and plain, regular guy personality. Not a showboat, no drugs, no bling or any of that BS. Crawford had never heard of McCallum and looked him right up on you tube. Watched three of his fights. Mario tried to set them up to be friends and add McCallum to Bud's team, like he did with McCallum and Mike Tyson towards the end but Mario missed the Crawford Spence fight and Bud and Body Snatcher never met. McCallum lived a clean life, but got heavy in the later years from fast food. His first wife died during childbirth and he never remarried. McCallum said being Jamaican hurt his career.

[Willy Wanker]

R.I.P. Mike McCallum

One of the most skilled fighters to ever do it.

[Lefty0616]

Rest in Power MM

[champion4ever]

He won the title in 84 and surely would have gone up to 160 to fight one of the kings. The story was McCallum wrecked the top five guys at Kronk and then they wouldn't spar him anymore. That's why he left Kronk and switched his base to NYC, no one would spar him in Detroit after it became evident he was too good. The word spread fast. I talked with his former manager today Mario Costa, who told me some interesting stories. He beat a Kronk fighter in Miami David Braxton and the day before the fight Don King tried to cut his $200,000 in half to $100,000. But he fought anyway and whopped him in 2. Mario told Terence Crawford that he reminded him of McCallum because of his body shots and demeanor and plain, regular guy personality. Not a showboat, no drugs, no bling or any of that BS. Crawford had never heard of McCallum and looked him right up on you tube. Watched three of his fights. Mario tried to set them up to be friends and add McCallum to Bud's team, like he did with McCallum and Mike Tyson towards the end but Mario missed the Crawford Spence fight and Bud and Body Snatcher never met. McCallum lived a clean life, but got heavy in the later years from fast food. His first wife died during childbirth and he never remarried. McCallum said being Jamaican hurt his career.

Yes, I can recall his hurt and disappointment over the missed opportunity to challenge Roberto Duran for his WBA 154 lbs title.

Manny Steward paid Roberto Duran step aside money in order for him to vacate his WBA title. To give Mike McCallum a title shot on the undercard of Hearns/Duran.

Mike McCallum was left feeling betrayed by it because he wanted that Roberto Duran fight for himself. However, Manny persuaded Duran to vacate it.

So they could fight for Hearn’s WBC 154 lbs title. That’s when McCallum decided to leave Kronk and Manny Steward for good.

[Nightfall]

RIP Champ. great fighter and person as well

[Bennyleonard99]

Yes, I can recall his hurt and disappointment over the missed opportunity to challenge Roberto Duran for his WBA 154 lbs title.

Manny Steward paid Roberto Duran step aside money in order for him to vacate his WBA title. To give Mike McCallum a title shot on the undercard of Hearns/Duran.

Mike McCallum was left feeling betrayed by it because he wanted that Roberto Duran fight for himself. However, Manny persuaded Duran to vacate it.

So they could fight for Hearn’s WBC 154 lbs title. That’s when McCallum decided to leave Kronk and Manny Steward for good.

Stunts like this add to the possibility McCallum would have outclassed all four kings. If McCallum mopped the ring with Hearns in sparring, Lord knows what he would have done to Duran and Leonard. And even Hagler. But that's our boxing, it's a crooked corrupt business.

[landotter]

One of those fighters whose career flies under the radar until you look at it as a whole. I got to see a few of his fights in his prime. Just a man who you felt was most at home and having the best time in that ring. Balanced, in shape, moving with purpose and afraid of nothing. Glad he was elected to the Hall with zero delay.

Promoted to Glory too soon, but a blessing for the sport.