Interview with Former Three–Division World Boxing Champion, Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum – 2012

Mike McCallum is a retired boxer. Nicknamed “The Body Snatcher” for his fierce body punching. McCallum won world titles in three weight classes. Mike McCallum turned professional in 1981. As a professional, he fought almost exclusively in the USA. He first became a world champion in 1984 by defeating Sean Mannion to win the vacant WBA light middleweight title. McCallum would defend that title six times, winning all six fights by knock out.

His first prominent opponent was future world champion Julian Jackson, who McCallum fought in his third title defense. McCallum survived some punishment in the first round and came back to stop the undefeated Jackson in the second round.

McCallum really came to prominence when he knocked out former WBC welterweight title holder Milton McCrory and former undisputed welterweight champion Donald Curry in 1987. Curry was ahead on all three scorecards going into the fifth round when McCallum knocked him out with what some have called a “perfect” left hook.

McCallum had a professional record of 49-5-1 (36 knockouts). He was never knocked out as a professional. After McCallum retired, he moved to Las Vegas and became trainer. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.

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