Remembering Mike "Bodysnatcher" McCallum (James Toney Speaks)

Kingston, Jamaica's Mike McCallum Passed Away on May 31st

The passing of Las Vegas resident, the legendary boxing Mike McCallum came as a shock to the boxing world. Finishing his career with a record of 49-5-1 with 36 knockouts, McCallum was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. Known as “The Body Snatcher”, Mike was known for his wicked body work. Perhaps, no one knew “The Body Snatcher” inside the ring better than fellow Hall of Famer, James Toney, who battled McCallum three times during the pairs legendary career. The VIP Crew briefly caught up with Toney to get his thoughts on the life and career of Mike McCallum. Toney had this to say…

“Bro, I learned so much from him. It was crazy man. He had skills plus my trainer, Bill Miller, used to train him at Kronk Gym. He was my toughest fight ever. All three fights were hell.”

With two of the most savage alias’s in the history of the sport colliding, (Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum and James “Lights Out” Toney), it could be tough to imagine the amount of pure boxing artistry that spurned from this trilogy. Evenly matched, the perfect mixture of art and savagery, and two absolute legends laying it all on the line over the course of 108 beautifully violent minutes over the course of three fan-friendly collisions. Two fighters perfect for each other brought out the best in one another, who undoubtedly took something from each other. When it was all said and done, the fans were the true winners of their trilogy.

When asked which was his favorite fight of the three, Toney was quick to reply, “The first one, because I dropped him. They called it a slip, but the truth is, he slipped off my right hand.” You could still hear the fiery competitiveness in Toney when he describes his encounters with McCallum. However, he gave Mr. McCallum his flowers in the form of one of the greatest compliments someone with the resume of James Toney could pay:

“Roy Jones was the fastest fighter I have ever faced, and smart, very intelligent fighter. But Mike McCallum had it all! Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss our trilogy, but I did tell him that he’s the greatest fighter that I ever fought, including heavyweights.”

The two were separated by inches, enshrined in history together, and if there was ever a combat sports museum with a section specified for “Boxing 101,” Toney-McCallum I, II, or III, could be the first entry.

In closing, Toney admitted to some of his shortcomings while praising McCallum for

bringing out the best in him:

“Bill [Miller] told me I was simply born to fight. I failed a few times, not because they beat me, but because I beat myself. If I would’ve came into every fight like I did with Mike McCallum, I would still be unbeaten today, because those nights, I was at my best ever. He made me be at my best ever. Rest Easy to “The Body Snatcher.” He will be missed!”

The VIP Crew would like to offer its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and boxing community who loved, Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCullum. He was a special fighter and man!