R.I.P. Mike McCallum

Rest in Peace Mike
An all time great

 

Don't forget the Julian Jackson 'I better get him out of here quickly' Mike said after realising the power of his opponent (I'm paraphrasing from memory). The Kalambay and Graham technical classics, the Steve Collins 2 sided workrate masterclass

Chris Eubank Sr probably gave McCallum the biggest compliment when he said (and I'm paraphrasing) 'how do you even fight someone who throws that many punches like a machine'. Chris didn't fancy that 1. Mike didn't get to fight any of the fab 5, which he always seemed to be a little bitter about. He had a great resume but personally I think he systematically breaks down the likes of Hearns, outhustles Duran, Leonard I absolutely love, but McCallum might well outsmart him. And Hagler v McCallum would of been the greatest middleweight fight of all time IMO. I love Britain best in Watson, Eubank, Benn and Graham, but McCallum beat 2 of them and handled the man who beat Eubank and Benn. I'm almost certain he beats the lot of them.

I don't believe in life after death so you won't hear me say RIP but what a life he led and what an inspiration he was. And if you want to teach a young boxer boxing, show him Mike McCallum. I do wish he got bigger fights, but in his biggest he more than rose to the occassion

 

Only just seen this - a couple of days late.

Someone who I thought would be around well into his 70s - no obvious wear and tear and not a blood and guts type fighter. A bit like when Hagler died, this feels way too soon.

 

And his fitness was off the charts in his mid 30s, it's just so sad. And the reason I signed up today to mutually grieve. Such an intelligent boxer too

 

RIP Mike.

So sad to hear this news. One of the best boxers pound for pound in my lifetime.

 

R.i.p one of my faves to watch the way he'd set up his shots and countered rhe jab with a body shot. Loved his fights with Toney especially the first two.

 

RIP champ. Mike is talked about a lot here which shows how great he was.

 

R.I.P. Mike. I would've loved to meet you in person. Most forum members likely know about how much a fan I am of Mike, and it was pretty devastating to hear about this yesterday, not only because he's one of my favorites, but also because the news somehow PASSED by me! It just made me feel extremely disappointed, but thankfully, I always can go back and watch his footage to make up for it. I went back to watch his fight with Kalule yesterday to get myself in better spirits, and it helped some.

Very young Mike here, not at his best, and barely sticking to a gameplan while he just shuts out Kalule with ease. McCallum won every round on my card... Sweet knockdown in the first too, off of that great right uppercut of his.

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R.I.P champ.

 

RIP Champ. Underrated and avoided.