The boxing world is mourning the loss of a true ring craftsman. Mike McCallum — a three-division world champion, Hall of Famer, and the first Jamaican fighter to win a world title — passed away Saturday in Las Vegas at the age of 68.

Nicknamed “The Bodysnatcher” for his ruthless and clinical body attack, McCallum carved out a storied career across three weight classes and became one of the most respected technicians of his era.

McCallum first struck gold on October 19, 1984, when he captured the WBA super welterweight title at the iconic Madison Square Garden, outpointing Ireland’s Sean Mannion over 15 rounds in a masterclass performance.

He continued to make history with the WBA on October 5, 1989, moving up in weight to dethrone Britain’s Herol Graham via split decision at London’s Royal Albert Hall — securing his second world title in a different division.

His third crown came at light heavyweight. After first being named interim champion, McCallum officially claimed the WBC title on July 23, 1994, with a decision win over Australia’s Jeff Harding in Bismarck. A rare three-weight champ in his day, he stood as proof of skill and longevity.

Before turning pro, McCallum won gold at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and represented Jamaica in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Beyond titles, his résumé reads like a who’s who of his generation: wins over elite names like Donald Curry, Milton McCrory, and a thunderous KO of Julian Jackson. His trilogy with James Toney remains a benchmark of high-level boxing.

McCallum retired with a record of 49-5-1, with 36 knockouts — and perhaps most impressively, was never stopped in his career. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, his legacy as one of the most intelligent and technical fighters of the 1980s and 90s is secure.

Even after hanging up the gloves, McCallum stayed close to the sport, training fighters and making regular appearances at boxing events in Las Vegas, where he lived and worked.

The World Boxing Association issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of its most iconic champions from the golden decades of the ’80s and ’90s.

Rest in peace to The Bodysnatcher — a true master of the sweet science.

Las Vegas (Sept. 2, 2015) – Hall of Famers Ray Mancini and Mike McCallum, as well as former WBA Champion Jessie Vargas has confirmed that they will appear at the Title Boxing/Rival booth, at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday Sept. 12, 2015
. The Boxing Expo will coincide with the Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto championship fight, which will take place later that evening, and Mexican Independence weekend.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Mancini, McCallum and Vargas join: Roberto Duran, Tim Bradley, Zab Judah, James Toney, Sergio Martinez, Mia St. John, Terry Norris, Joel Casamayor, Fernando Vargas, Ruslan Provodnikov, Wayne McCullough, Austin Trout, Demarcus Corley, Rances Barthelemy, Jorge Linares, Kevin Kelley, referee Richard Steele, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September. This year the Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.

Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia,Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija ,Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, St-John, Erislandy Lara, Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.

The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will be announced throughout the next several weeks leading up to the event.

For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/video-2/

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo