By George M. Phillips

There was a time when the business side of boxing was dominated by men, one woman changed everything. One of more recognizable women in the boxing business, Jackie Kallen, was the managerial force behind a young James Toney and played a big part in the highly publicized boxing reality series "The Contender". 

The journey of Kallen was such an inspiration that a major motion picture was released on her life story. The movie, Against The Ropes, stared Meg Ryan and Omar Epps. BoxingScene's George M. Phillips sat down with Kallen to talk about her life, her influences and her current involvement in the boxing business.BoxingScene.com: When did your career in boxing begin?

Jackie Kallen: In 1978, as a writer for a daily newspaper in the Detroit area. I went to interview a young boxer named Thomas Hearns and I ended up going to work for him as his publicist. I actually handled the entire Kronk Boxing Team for ten years. Then, in 1988, I decided to try my hand at managing fighters.

BoxingScene.com: Have you always been a boxing fan?

Jackie Kallen: I have always enjoyed boxing. My grandmother was a teacher and Joe Louis was one of her students. That made a big impression on me when I was young.

BoxingScene.com:  What are your thoughts on women's boxing?

Jackie Kallen: I like women's boxing a lot. I manage two females (Molly McConnell and Demi Nguyen) and I was once commissioner for the IFBA.

BoxingScene.com: What are your thoughts on all the various sanctioning bodies?

Jackie Kallen: Has it tainted the sport? Definitely. Too many champions in every weight class. It's gets confusing and diminishes the value of owning a belt.

BoxingScene.com: What are your hobbies, interest outside of the squared circle?

Jackie Kallen: I do a lot of charity work with battered and abused women. I work with the Sheriff's Department to set up boxing programs in the inner city and I love to read, knit and write (when I have time).

BoxingScene.com: The movie "Against The Ropes" was based on your life story, how accurate was the movie compared to your life?

Jackie Kallen: Not very accurate. The theme and the message of the story was true to me--but I was actually married with children--not single and childless (as the movie portrayed).

BoxingScene.com: As you know, I was hooked on "The Contender", obviously all of the men on the show had boxing talent. Whom do you think, if any, will obtain a legitimate title shot?

Jackie Kallen: I would like to see Sergio Mora get a title shot. I also believe that Alfonso Gomez will win a title at 147 or 154. Ishe Smith  is capable of winning a belt and so is Peter Manfredo. Even Jesse Brinkley has a good shot at a world title.

BoxingScene.com: Will there be a 2nd season of "The Contender"?

Jackie Kallen: Yes. On ESPN.

BoxingScene.com: Tell us about your current stable of fighters?

Jackie Kallen: Matt Remillard, a 4-0 featherweight. Eddie Tice, a 3-0 welterweight. Molly McConnell, a 4-1 junior welterweight. Demi Nguyen, a young 0-0 middleweight. I am in the midst of signing 18-1 light heavyweight Rico Hoye. I'm excited about that!

BoxingScene.com: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Jackie Kallen: I want to thank everyone for their continued interest in our sport. Though boxing has seen some tough times and the popularity is not what it's been in the past--it will come back. We have to make it a better, more interesting and honest sport and the fans will return.