New Interview With Boxing Pioneer
Jackie Kallen is one of the best-known pioneers in the sport of boxing. This fearless female has paved the way for many other females (including myself) who are involved in the sweet science. Whatever roadblocks there may have been on the rocky road to her success, Jackie is one woman who helped kick in those doors that tried to keep the fairer sex out of the sport. Scoring countless KOs against a society that women weren’t exactly welcome in, Kallen kept pounding her way to the top.
I’ve known the boxing dynamo for over a decade now. She is a woman who always has something innovative and exciting going on. Known for her flowing blonde tresses, her stylish wardrobe, her commitment and intense loyalty to her boxing brood, this vivacious force of nature has blazed a trail that first began during her early days in Detroit at the famed Kronk Gym.
This Wednesday night, Jackie will be receiving her newest award from the City of Hope at the Sports L.A. “KO Cancer” boxing event in Beverly Hills. She is part of a trio of recipients who have all had movies made about their trials and tribulations in boxing. Joining Jackie will be “Irish” Micky Ward and Jake “The Raging Bull” LaMotta. Kallen will receive the 2011 “Inspiration” award.
Being a woman in the proverbial “man’s world” of boxing certainly couldn’t have been easy for her, especially when she was first starting out. She’s told me stories of the prejudice, misogyny and condescending attitudes she’s faced. But with courage and conviction, Jackie blazed that unknown trail as one of the early females to enter the sport of boxing. She kept forging down that path that many have since followed. And thanks to her, many other girls and minorities around the world can look to her for inspiration to achieve–and never give up. And give up is one thing she never did.
She is a boxing manager, promoter, author, motivational speaker, “The Contender” reality-TV star, publicist, journalist, mother, grandmother and so much more. The film “Against the Ropes” was inspired by Jackie’s life and starred the spunky Meg Ryan as Kallen. While many remember “The First Lady of Boxing” for her championship years with James Toney, the businesswoman has managed several champions and male and female contenders along the way. One of her top talents she currently manages is junior welterweight Michael Dallas Jr. whose record reads 17-1-1. In January, Dallas suffered his first defeat at the hands of Josesito Lopez but look for him to come back soon.
Outside of the ropes, Jackie has worked with many charitable organizations and continues to give back to the community while working with at-risk youth and abused women. She is also in a new “Fight the Stigma” AIDS campaign for people with HIV. Now come Wednesday, she will be honored at the fundraising event featuring boxing stars and Hollywood celebs.
I had time to catch up with this busy lady as her upcoming event nears. And the Jackie Kallen I’ve gotten to know never ceases to amaze me with her boundless energy–and pure passion–for the sport. Battling back from her own health issues in the past, Kallen has remained in the game since her association with the Kronk Boxing Team, which was almost 35 years ago. Sharp and savvy but as glamorous and smooth as any movie star, Jackie has done it all–and in her own way. Celebrating a milestone birthday on April 23, Jackie shows no signs of slowing down now.
How does she balance the business side of boxing along with the personal side of sometimes being a “surrogate” mother, professional manager, best friend, and biggest cheerleader for up-and-coming young boxers? Maybe the secret to her longstanding success stems from the absolute passion she has for boxing. And even though she made a name for herself in the male-dominated sports world Jackie admits that while some things have changed, boxing still remains an “old boys’ club.” Women are still fighting for respect and more progress needs to be made.
In our exclusive chat, hear what one of the most recognizable faces in boxing has to say as Jackie talks about bursting through the stereotypes, what the Kronk legacy means to her, the return of Mike Dallas Jr. and why she is unabashedly addicted to “American Idol”!
Michele Chong: Hi Jackie. Congratulations on your newest award at the KO Cancer gala. Your thoughts on being honored alongside Jake LaMotta and Micky Ward?
Jackie Kallen: Naturally I am thrilled to be in such great company. They are both such compelling characters that I guess I must be a character, too, to be included with them. I love that! And getting the “Inspiration” Award means a lot to me. I hope that my journey has been inspirational to young women everywhere.
MC: After “Against the Ropes” (the film based on your life) came out, did any particular reaction or added recognition from the movie surprise you?
JK: I was pretty disappointed with the way the film ended up. But it was an interesting experience and I met a lot wonderful people.
MC: You are also going to be working on “Five Good Years” with Sugar Ray Leonard. What are some of your other future plans and projects you have in the works right now, personally?
JK: I just got a contract from a publisher to write a memoir. That will keep me busy for a few months! How will I ever fit all the stories I have into one book? That will be a challenge.
MC: Are there any other frontiers in or around the sweet science that you would like to conquer?
JK: I am always looking for a new mountain to climb. I would like to help produce the quintessential boxing reality show. I am in development now on a show I really believe in.
MC: You were part of the legendary Kronk Gym days in Detroit, you seem like you have continued a successful working relationship with many of the trainers, boxers, managers from that time in your life, right?
JK: Oh, without a doubt. From Emanuel Steward and Thomas Hearns all the way to Caveman Lee, Prentiss Byrd, and Bill Miller– they are still a big part of my life. I loved my years with Kronk!
MC: Can you tell me about your current stable of boxers and also what’s next for Mike Dallas Jr.?
JK: Michael is hoping to fight again in May or June. He is anxious to get back into the ring. Ramon Valenzuela, Jr. just won his fourth fight (with no losses) and Jimmy Lange is out here in L.A. to do a charity event and go on “Extra.” He just won again on March 12. I am also excited about Zach Wohlman turning pro very soon.
MC: Your best advice for up-and-coming fighters who’d like to be managed by you?
JK: Be willing to work hard, fight anyone within reason, and stay hungry.
MC: Away from boxing, I know you and I are both REALLY into “American Idol”! I always love comparing notes with you on the performances and results every week. You’ve told me before you enjoy watching fresh young talent emerge. Just for fun, who are your Top 3 singers in this season and why?
JK: I love that show! I am like a kid when it comes to “A.I.” My favorites this year are James (who is fighting Tourette’s Syndrome), Casey (who battles Ulcerative Colitis) and Scott (who is still very young). I always pull for people who have an uphill battle or who are up against adversity. Besides–they all have killer voices and unique styles.
MC: Have you been watching Sugar Ray Leonard on “Dancing With The Stars”? If yes, did you vote for him?
JK: Yep! I watched Ray. I hope he hangs on another week or two…
MC: You’re also a fan of the new TV show, “Lights Out”?
JK: I love Holt McCallany and I have watched every single episode. He was in “Against the Ropes.” I am really bummed that F/X is not picking the series up for a second season. Hopefully another network will see the potential and bring it back.
MC: Jackie, you’re a true pioneer for women involved boxing. You have paved the way for countless females, whether it be as a fighter, a journalist, a manager, etc. But what percent of the fight game do you think is still an “old boys’ network”?
JK: I am laughing, Michele. You know the answer. I have been involved in this game for 33 years and it is STILL an “old boys” network. But I decided long ago: If you can’t fight them–join them.
MC: And finally, what are you looking forward to most at your awards banquet? And do you have your speech all ready? (Laughs)
JK: I am looking forward to the entire evening! I want us to raise a lot of money for City 
of Hope and cancer research. I am excited to see Mario Lopez and Jimmy Lange and both Micky Ward and Jake LaMotta are men I enjoy and respect.
MC: Thank you, Jackie! Always a pleasure to catch up with you and congrats again on your award.
JK: As always–thank you for always being in my corner and keeping my name out there. I truly appreciate it. You are a class act!
While Kallen has received numerous awards and accolades through the years, this latest tribute is no doubt near and dear to her heart as the proceeds from this special night will benefit City of Hope and those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Jackie, who is also in the California Boxing Hall of Fame and the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, continues to show all of us women around the world to fend off discouragement in going toe to toe with the men. Against all odds, she’s stayed and has succeeded in the game.
She has proved to be a pioneer for journalists like myself. If you want to survive–and succeed in boxing like Kallen herself has–you must develop a thick skin and an even stronger backbone.
When I have personally faced any adversity in the sport, I ask myself with a bit of a laugh, “What Would Jackie Do?” Well, her “WWJD” answer would probably be, “KEEP FIGHTING!” Why? Because that’s what she has done for three and a half decades.
In today’s day and age, females involved in boxing aren’t such a rarity anymore.
But Jackie Kallen will always be one of the rare pioneers I have had in the sport.
Congratulations to the “First Lady of Boxing” on her City of Hope award!
Photos courtesy of Jackie Kallen