By Jules Lavallee
Jackie Kallen is the world’s most successful female boxing manager and the inspiration for the film, Meg Ryan isn’t a boxing manager; she just plays one in the film, Against the Ropes. She fought against all odds to prevail in a male-dominated profession.
A journalist-turned-publicist for Thomas Hearns and Detroit’s Kronk Boxing Team, Kallen spent ten years learning the ropes of the boxing world. As a manager, she groomed James Toney to become a world champion shortly after launching her business. At the podium, Kallen reveals her secrets to overcoming adversity in all forms-sexism, discrimination and even life-threatening illness-to triumph over all.
Kallen, a writer since elementary school, had a colorful career before she ever met a boxer. An entertainment journalist who interviewed everyone from the Rolling Stones to Elvis and Sinatra, her work led her from hometown Detroit to NYC and back home to raise her family. A 1977 interview with six-time world champion boxer Thomas Hearns set her on her path, beginning as a publicist for him and the legendary Kronk Boxing Team. For ten years Kallen learned the ins and outs of the business. By 1988, she was ready to strike out on her own, managing fighters including a scrappy young man named James “Lights Out” Toney. Three years after she started managing him, Toney was a champ and Jackie was on top of the game. Still, despite two nominations for Manager of the Year, a stint as commissioner of the Female Boxers Association and a wall full of awards and honors, Kallen continues to fight for acceptance.
Jackie Kallen is the author of Hit Me with Your Best Shot: A Fight Plan for Dealing with All of Life’s Hard Knocks. She is currently managing several boxers and is very involved with local charities, particularly women’s shelters. She lives in Los Angeles.
Jackie is also very driven to raise awareness about women’s health issues, specifically the early detection of heart disease & breast cancer, as she has a stent implant for her heart and had two lumpectomies. A dynamic and inspiring speaker, Kallen motivates audiences to empower themselves and fight against adversity to achieve personal success.
You fought against all odds to prevail in a male-dominated profession. What intrigued you about boxing?
I was originally attracted by the intensity of the sport and the one-on-one aspect of it. There is no team behind you when you step through those ropes. It is up to the individual to either win or lose based on mental and physical strength and ability. I saw it as a metaphor for life itself.
What advice do you have for young women who have the desire to have a career in sports?
Develop a thick skin and ignore those who try to tell you that you won’t succeed. Follow your own instincts and ignore any negativity. Learn everything you can about your chosen sport because you will be tested–again and again. Don’t burn a bridge because we never know who will cross our path again .Don’t forsake your femininity in a desire to “fit in.”
In the 70’s you were a reporter. Can you share your favorite celebrity interview?
There have been so many, But among my favorites were Elvis, whom I met near the end of his tumultuous life. He appeared tired, worn-down and a bit ready to do anything else but perform. But I could see his charisma and vulnerability and it was both appealing and sad. He was so iconic and legendary that he had an undeniable aura around him. I was immediately drawn to him and wished that we had more time to talk and get to know each other. He had a very special magic and uniqueness about him.
What has been the proudest moment of your career?
Again–there have been several that stand out. But when my boxer James Toney won his world title as a 20-1 underdog in Michael Nunn’s hometown in 1991–it put us both on the map and sent me on my first step toward the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Proving that a woman could build a champion and guide him to the top was a major achievement. I was doubted, ridiculed and laughed at going into that fight. Those who questioned my ability were pretty silent after that.
Your story of trials and tribulations became a Hollywood feature film. Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan and Omar Epps, was released by Paramount Films in 2004. Were you happy with the film?
To be perfectly honest–no. It deviated greatly from the real story, which was much more interesting than the screenplay. They took my character, who was balancing a family and a career, and made the character single. I am from Detroit and they set the story in Cleveland. But overall, if it showed women that they could accomplish ANYTHING, so in that respect it served a purpose.
In 2024, you were inducted into the International boxing Hall of Fame. What does it take to achieve greatness as a boxing manager?
I believe it takes confidence, resilience, a tough exterior, knowledge and the will to succeed. On top of that, you have to “walk the walk”–not just “talk the talk.” You also have to have an eye for talent. Champion-level athletes are different from the average competitor. You have to be able to spot that early on. You also need to establish good relations with everyone that you work with.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Good question. Many people see me as a badass and a tough negotiator. But I am a mushy pushover when it comes to my grandkids. I’ve also been with the same man for 24 years and he’s 15 years younger.
You are a well-known speaker. Please share your topics and speaking engagements in the next 6-months.
Speaking to crowds is a great love of mine. I was recently in Orlando and Baltimore. I ‘ll be speaking here in the Detroit area in the next few weeks. I take the audience on the journey of a very ordinary girl who has lived a highly extraordinary life. I share dozens of photos and stories as well as tips on succeeding against the odds. I aim to motivate, inspire, and entertain. My audiences vary from 100 people to as many as 3,000.
What projects are you currently working on?
Right now I manage two successful boxers, do motivational speaking, am working on a reality show (in development) and am the executive director of a charity called Uempower. I have a very active social life and stay extremely busy with my family and my fiance.
