Born: 1946 (Detroit, Michigan, United States)
Biography:
Jackie Kallen (born Jackie Kaplan, April 23, 1946) is one of boxing’s first and most successful female managers. Her life was the inspiration for the 2004 film Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan as Kallen, in which she had a brief speaking role as a reporter. She also worked as a consultant for Mark Burnett’s reality TV series The Contender.
Kallen was raised in a middle-class Jewish family in Detroit, Michigan, United States. In the 1970s, she worked as a show business journalist for a magazine, where she had the opportunity to interview iconic figures like the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and many others. However, it was in 1977 that her career trajectory took a significant turn when she was assigned to interview Thomas Hearns, a boxing prospect from the Kronk gym in Detroit.
This encounter sparked Kallen’s fascination with sports, particularly boxing, and she transitioned into becoming a sports journalist specializing in the sport. For the next decade, Kallen worked as Hearns’ publicist, supporting him through his rise to prominence and his battles against boxing legends like Sugar Ray Leonard. Along the way, she encountered sexism within Detroit’s boxing circles, but her determination and passion for the sport prevailed.
In 1988, Kallen made her managerial debut with heavyweight Bobby Hitz. Her skills and dedication quickly paid off when she managed her first champion in 1991. James Toney knocked out Michael Nunn in eleven rounds to win the IBF world Middleweight title under Kallen’s guidance. Later, Kallen had another successful moment when Bronco McKart won the WBO world Jr. Middleweight title in 1996.
Throughout her career, Kallen faced both triumphs and controversies. Her business relationship with Toney, who she often referred to as someone she loved like a son, brought her both praise and criticism. Nonetheless, Kallen’s managerial success and her involvement in the boxing industry allowed her to gain recognition among boxing’s hard-core fans. She was featured in prominent publications like Ring and KO Magazine.
However, Kallen’s path wasn’t without its challenges. In the year 2000, she was diagnosed with heart disease and cancer. Despite the difficulties, she underwent multiple surgeries and made a remarkable recovery, enjoying good health and continuing her passion for boxing.
Kallen is not only a formidable manager but also an accomplished author. She has written two books: Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Between the Ropes. Moreover, her inspiring life story has been captured in Peter Mann’s book titled Against the Odds: The Jackie Story.
Beyond her achievements in the boxing world, Kallen is known for her motivational speaking engagements nationwide. Her story and experiences serve as an inspiration to others, particularly women striving to make an impact in male-dominated industries. Presently, she resides in the Detroit area, where she manages three professional boxers, including Mykquan Williams and Sam Rizzo.
In December 2021, it was announced that Kallen would produce The Legend of Jack and Diane, a female-led revenge thriller. The film, directed by Bruce Bellocchi and starring Tom Sizemore, Lydia Zelmac, David Tomlinson, Robert LaSardo, and Carlo Mendez, began filming in Los Angeles on January 17, 2022. Rick Geller serves as the executive producer of the film.
Throughout her extraordinary career, Jackie Kallen has made significant contributions to the world of boxing as one of the sport’s pioneering female managers. Her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark in the history of boxing and continue to inspire aspiring managers and athletes alike.