Mike McCallum vs Milton McCrory

On April 19, 1987, at the Pointe Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, Mike McCallum defended his WBA World Super Welterweight title for the fifth time against Milton McCrory. McCallum, known as "The Body Snatcher," brought an undefeated record of 30-0-0 and weighed in at 153¾ lbs. McCrory, a former welterweight champion with a record of 31-1-1, matched the limit at 154 lbs. Promoted by Main Events and Steve Eisner, referee Joe Cortez officiated the fight and drew significant interest as a clash between two skilled technicians.

In the opening rounds, McCrory utilized his height and reach advantage, boxing effectively from a distance and attempting to offset McCallum's inside game. However, McCallum's calculated pressure and bodywork began to take effect as the fight progressed. Known for his ability to systematically break down opponents, McCallum targeted McCrory's midsection, sapping the challenger's energy.

By the mid-rounds, the champion had firmly established control, forcing McCrory into exchanges that favoured McCallum's shorter, more compact punches. In the ninth round, McCallum intensified his assault with a series of precise combinations that left McCrory visibly fatigued and struggling to keep pace.

The decisive moment came in the tenth round. At 2:20 of the round, McCallum unleashed a barrage of punches that overwhelmed McCrory, prompting referee Joe Cortez to intervene and halt the contest. The technical knockout victory not only preserved McCallum's unblemished record but also solidified his status as one of the most formidable champions in the division.

Judges Luis J. Rodriguez (87-84), Marco Antonio Rodriguez (87-85), and Rogelio Perez (88-85) had all scored the fight in favour of McCallum at the time of the stoppage. The result highlighted McCallum's mastery of distance, timing, and his signature body punching, leaving little doubt about his dominance as the WBA Super Welterweight Champion.