PNP Mourns the Passing of Boxing Great Mike McCallum
Kingston, Jamaica. June 1, 2025: The People’s National Party (PNP) joins the nation in mourning the passing of legendary Jamaican boxer Mike McCallum, who died on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
McCallum, known across the globe as “The Bodysnatcher,” was one of Jamaica’s finest sporting exports. He made history as the first Jamaican to win a world boxing title and went on to claim championships in three weight divisions, light middleweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight.
In reflecting on his life and legacy, Wavell Hinds, Opposition Spokesperson on Sports, said: “Mike McCallum was more than a boxing champion; he was a national hero in gloves. He put Jamaican boxing on the world stage and carried the flag with unmatched pride and discipline. His journey from Kingston to the international arena remains one of the most inspiring chapters in our sporting history.”
McCallum’s accomplishments included a storied professional record of 49 wins, five losses, and one draw, 36 of those victories by knockout. His skill, heart, and legendary body-punching technique earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The PNP extends sincere condolences to his family, friends, former teammates, and the wider sporting fraternity. Jamaica has lost a son of distinction, one whose name will forever be etched in our history books and hearts.
May his soul rest in peace.
