27 years ago

Date: 22nd February 1997

Venue: Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut

Title: vacant WBU World Cruiserweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: ESPN Championship Boxing

James Toney
( 53 - 3 - 2 )
Weight: 181 lbs

Mike McCallum
( 49 - 4 - 1 )
Weight: 182 lbs

On February 22, 1997, James Toney and Mike McCallum met for the third time in their careers, fighting for the vacant WBU Cruiserweight Title at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Both fighters, once known for their speed and precision, showed signs of ageing since their previous encounters.

The bout lacked the excitement and tactical brilliance that characterised their first two meetings, with the action more closely resembling a sparring session. Toney emerged victorious, winning unanimously with scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113 from judges Larry Hazzard Jr, Kevin McCarl, and Steve Epstein, respectively.

This fight marked the end of Mike McCallum's professional career, as he retired with a record of 49-5-1. During his time in the ring, McCallum had held titles in three weight classes: the WBA Super Welterweight, WBA Middleweight, and WBC Light Heavyweight.

Despite the win, Toney had lost his previous bout against Montell Griffin for the WBU Light Heavyweight Title and would go on to lose his next fight against Drake Thadzi for the vacant IBO Light Heavyweight Title. However, he would later capture the IBF Cruiserweight Title from Vassiliy Jirov and score a knockout victory over former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.