PR Dynamo making a difference!
“Good morning, Michele!” is the cheerful greeting I receive from Rachel Charles, a PR maven who’s been a pivotal part of the boxing landscape for several years now. I called the vivacious businesswoman because I know that besides boxing, she’s also involved in other sports and charitable endeavors as well. Here in Los Angeles, all of the local sports buffs and beyond are currently mourning the recent loss of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden while celebrating his 99 years of life at the same time. I knew that Rachel had been working on a project involving Wooden memorabilia and I wanted to catch up with her.
We had some time to discuss her basketball project (details you will read below) before our conversation naturally and quickly turned to our common passion–boxing.
Born in the United Kingdom, Rachel has traveled a unique path to her current position in pugilism. With more than 18 years of public relations experience, she has definitely carved out her own niche in the field. With her charming British accent, she asserts, “I love boxing–it’s in 
my blood!”
Everyone knows what a tough business it is to be in boxing, with many more challenges to face if you happen to be a woman in the male-dominated world of boxing. Charles has put in years of hard work, determination, blood and guts just like the warriors in the ring. She first got involved in PR while traveling around the world with her former husband, who was a musician with Neil Diamond. After being involved with the music business for several years, she then switched gears and entered the world of boxing.
And while she may look more like a beautiful and glamorous actress with her exotic features, thin stature and mega-watt smile, Rachel can never be accused of just being eye candy for boxing. “I’ve never been unethical and I’m proud of that,” she offers. “I work hard–and I get the work done.”
The head turner and owner of Pitch Ink, a PR firm, also takes pride in being 100% professional while maintaining a tough-as-nails stance while dealing with the notorious politics in boxing. “You’ve got to be prepared to stand toe to toe with these men,” says Rachel. “I’ve been tested a million times and I’m not afraid to go up against anyone. I’ve worked with everyone from the top to the bottom.” With all the powerful egos that abound in boxing, Charles remains professional and treats people with respect, not stepping on anyone’s toes (while even in her stiletto heels!). But don’t underestimate her own power and self-confidence that one must maintain if they’re ever going to make it in boxing. “I’m hardcore,” she says with a chuckle. “I give these guys a good run for their money!”
She also credits a mentor and role model that has paved the way for “all us girls” involved in boxing. “Jackie Kallen is my hero!” Charles says. “Look at what she’s done and look at everything she’s still doing!” While moving up through the ranks, it’s this camaraderie from Kallen and others that Rachel is first to acknowledge.
“Jackie’s great; and Roberto Diaz from Golden Boy has been great too,” the humble Charles says, appreciative of the respect she’s earned from others. “He has been so supportive too.”
And just like the “First Lady of Boxing” Jackie Kallen, Rachel balanced a busy career while raising a
family. Charles candidly says she had her daughter when she was just 17; the striking pair look more like sisters than mother and daughter. As a single mom (she herself was born to a Jewish/English mother and an African-American/Creek Indian American father), she takes pride in that heritage and of her own daughter Georgia, now almost 25 years old.
The likeable and feisty PR dynamo then tells me about some of her amazing experiences with Goossen Tutor co-promotions with the likes of Bob Arum, Hasim Rahman, Lou DiBella, HBO, SHOWTIME, ESPN, Don King and countless others. And as Head of Public Relations for Goossen Tutor Promotions from 2004-2007, Rachel received tutelage from one of the best in the biz, promoter Dan Goossen.
“I loved it! I loved every day of being there. And I learned a lot from Dan; he’s a great teacher,” she remembers. “It was tough and a lot of hard work, but I learned so much. He taught me to be way more creative–and with who I am and how I treat people we had a lot of success with PR for the fighters. It was a great journey.”
After her tenure with Goossen Tutor in Southern California, Charles traded coasts and embarked on a new journey with Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing in New York. She currently travels to fight nights in Chicago and is just starting a new partnership working with boxing icon Angelo Dundee. “I’m going to be working with Angelo in Miami. There’s a project with the 5th Street Gym so there’s a lot of exciting things coming with that.”
Still just as active in boxing, the spirited woman is involved in many other projects like high school boxing teams and nonprofit organizations including HEAL Africa. She remains gracious, kind and funny while continuing to support others in charitable functions. Which brings me back to the original reason I called her–to inquire about her John Wooden litho project.
Tomorrow there are several local tributes to the beloved coach of the basketball court and master of the “Pyramid of Success.” The L.A. times will be unveiling a special commemorative section honoring “The Wizard of Westwood” in Sunday’s paper and local channel KTLA will be airing a special “John Wooden: The Legacy” at 9 PM/PT tomorrow night.
For the past three months, Charles has worked with a client who is offering unique lithographs with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. “Mike Targon is an L.A. businessman who wants to give back,” she explains. “My client is emphatic when he says, ‘This is not about me, it’s about the charity!'”
Wooden died on June 4. The original plans were to release the lithos for his 100th birthday which would have been this October with funds of the charity donations to go toward UCLA, the renovation of the Pauley Pavilion, and Coach Wooden’s own personal foundation.
“And for hoops fans, they can own part of history too. “Where else can you get an autograph of Kareem, Bill Walton and others as well as the Coach?” she adds. Charles’ enthusiasm for this charity cause has never wavered. “We’re not cashing in here,” Rachel states. “It’s for charity. And if you go to the website uclalegends.net, you will see the lithos available.”
Then our talk eases back to boxing. And before the loyal expat signs off to excitedly cheer on her native England (squaring off against the U.S.) in today’s World Cup soccer match (the Brits call it fooball), I ask her to name some of her favorite fighters she’s worked with and met along the way.
“Wayne McCullough, James Toney, Robbie Peden, Israel Vazquez, Robert Guerrero–just to name a few!” she answers with a laugh. “I like the guys who mix it up. Oh, also Kevin Johnson and Ali Oubaali, a French-Moroccan fighter not many people know yet!”
Many people might not know of the dedication of one Rachel Charles, who is usually behind the scenes in support of the boxers. But if you’re at a sports event or charity function and you hear the unmistakable lilt of her cheery British accent, be sure to say hello to this popular member of the boxing fraternity!
Photos/Images courtesy of Rachel Charles and www.uclalegends.net: John Wooden litho; (Rachel Charles; fighters Wayne McCullough Ken Norton, James Toney and Buster Douglas and Hitz Boxing)