Mike McCallum resided in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife, Verona, and their two children.
Jamaican boxing great Mike McCallum, a Hall of Fame fighter who held world titles in three weight classes, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 68.
As per the reports, McCallum fell ill while traveling to the gym and was forced to pull off the road. He was reportedly found to be unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
Sports Minister Olivia Grange mourned the tragic loss of Mike by stating,
“It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica’s three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum,” “I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sports I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican,”
Olivia Grange
Rich Marotta, the founder of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, took to his Official Twitter handle and wrote,
“Greatly saddened by passing of Mike McCallum. Mike was lovely guy, humble guy, great champion,” “He was an Inaugural year inductee of @nvbhof and, as resident of Las Vegas, always wanted to be part of the events, big or small. Had greatest nickname in boxing, ‘The Bodysnatcher’ RIP.”
Rich Marotta
Mike, aka “The Bodysnatcher,” was revered during his time in the ring, having won titles across three different weight classes and becoming the first Jamaican boxer to win a world title in 1984 when he defeated San Mannion at Madison Square Garden for the WBA Junior Middleweight title.
He fought in 55 bouts throughout his career, winning 49 and losing five, while one ended in a draw.
McCallum was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, and in 2011, Ring Magazine included him on a list of the “10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years.”
Wife Verona McCallum Is Mourning The Tragic Loss Of Her Husband, Mike McCallum
The legendary Jamaican boxer and Hall of Famer, Mike McCallum, was married to Verona McCallum. Their exact wedding has not been revealed.
Following their marriage, they lived in Henderson, Nevada.
Verona supported Mike in balancing his personal and professional life. She has managed to avoid the media spotlight, so little is known about her personal life.
Mike McCallum was the first Jamaican-born fighter to win a world title in boxing 🇯🇲
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 1, 2025
🥊 WBA super-welterweight champion
🥊 WBA middleweight champion
🥊 WBC light-heavyweight champion pic.twitter.com/pKtmZG1dO5
Sadly, their married life ended following the tragic death of Mike. Close ones and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Verona to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
One person wrote,
One of the best has transitioned and he will be missed. Met Mike at the Top Rank Gym in Vegas 20 years ago, he had retired from the ring and was a Trainer. He was one of the coolest dudes of all time. Brutal in the ring and a gentleman out. Heartfelt Condolences to Verona, Mike Jr. and the Top Rank Family. R.I.P. Champ !
Tony Perry
Mike McCallum And His Wife Verona Were Blessed With Two Children
Mike and Verona shared one son, Mike McCallum Jr., and one daughter, Madison McCallum.
Their son, Mike Jr, graduated from Silverado High School.
As a child, he struggled with bowed legs due to being overweight, prompting fears from his father that he might never walk properly.
Mike and Verona refused surgery and opted for braces and a strict diet. By age 6, Mike Jr.’s legs had become straight and strong.
Moreover, Mike Jr started training with his father at the gritty and historic Johnny Tocco’s Gym in Las Vegas. He stands across from his father, gloves up, eyes focused.
Despite years of training, Mike Jr was yet to fight competitively. Mike Sr. wanted his son to be great, but safe first, as he knew what the sport could do to a person.
On the other hand, Mike’s daughter, Madison, has stayed away from the media spotlight.
Mike Jr. and Madison are mourning the tragic death of their supportive and devoted father, Mike McCallum.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mike McCallum was known for his exceptionally durable chin and toughness and was never stopped in any of his five losses. He earned his nickname of “The Bodysnatcher” due to his ability to land vicious body punches in fights.
- In 1974, he competed as a welterweight in the World Championships in Havana, losing by a 3rd-round TKO to Clint Jackson of the United States.
- In 1975, Mike represented Jamaica at the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City.
