Tag Archives: Jackie Kallen

HALL OF FAMER “THE GOLDEN BOY” OSCAR DE LA HOYA TO ATTEND 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

HALL OF FAMER “THE GOLDEN BOY” OSCAR DE LA HOYATO ATTEND 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND Hall of Fame’s 35th Anniversary Celebration set for June 6 – 9
CANASTOTA, NY – MARCH 18, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum, which is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2024, is pleased to announce that Hall of Famer “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya will attend the Banquet of Champions and other events planned for planned for the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 6-9.
“From Olympic gold to world titles in six divisions, Oscar De La Hoya captured the imagination of boxing fans around the world,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming ‘The Golden Boy’ back to Canastota for the Hall of Fame’s 35th Anniversary celebration.”

De La Hoya capped a 223-5 (153 KOs) amateur career by capturing lightweight gold at the 1992 Olympic Games. He turned pro the same year and captured his first world title – the WBO super featherweight – in only his 12th pro bout and would go on to win 10 world titles in six weight divisions.

Among the champions he defeated include Jorge Paez, John John Molina, Rafael Ruelas, Genaro Hernandez, Ike Quartey, Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga and Hall of Famers Hector Camacho, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker and Arturo Gatti.

One of the biggest pay per view attractions in boxing history. De La Hoya retired in 2008 with a pro record of 39-6 (30 KOs). In 2002 he established promotional powerhouse Golden Boy Promotions. In 2014 “The Golden Boy” was elected into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

An impressive list of over 35 boxing greats from the United States and abroad, including the Class of 2024, returning Hall of Famers and special guests will participate in the Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.

The Class of 2024 to be honored includes boxers Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Diego Corrales (posthumous), Michael MoorerJane Couch, Ana Maria Torres, Luis Angel Firpo (posthumous), Theresa Kibby (posthumous), trainer Kenny Adams, manager Jackie Kallen, publicist Fred Sternburg, journalist Wallace Matthews and broadcaster Nick Charles (posthumous).
The Class of 2024 will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend on June 6-9, 2024, in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony. 

Complete event details can be found on www.ibhof.com. For more information on the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

Connect with the International Boxing Hall of Fame through social media:


Facebook: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame
Instagram: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame
Twitter: @BoxingHall
Website: www.IBHOF.com


About the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the great sport of boxing. Located in Canastota, New York, it serves as a tribute to the world’s finest boxers and contributors to the sport, allowing boxing enthusiasts to appreciate and celebrate the rich history and tradition of boxing.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TURNING STONE RESORT CASINOOFFICIAL RESORT CASINO OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
The multi-year partnership between Turning Stone Resort Casino and the International Boxing Hall of Fame spotlights the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting tourism in Central New York. The partnership includes a series of nationally televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend with several exciting events in Madison County and Oneida County throughout the four-day celebration.

Unbeaten Mykquan Williams staying in boxing shape as much as possible under pandemic conditions

MANCHESTER, Conn. (March 23, 2020) – Like most professional boxers, unbeaten super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) is  making the most out of a challenging situation, as he prepares for his unknown future in boxing.

The coronavirus has shutdown boxing worldwide.  Events are  suspended indefinitely, boxers restricted in terms of training, and the immediate future remains tenuous at best.

Unable to train at his gym, Manchester ROCS, which is closed due to a Connecticut state order, the 21-year-old Williams is handling this pandemic in a mature manner that belies his young age.  No whining, no ‘poor me’ feelings. 

”This is a difficult time for everybody, including those of us in boxing,”  East Hartford (CT) resident Williams said.  “There’s no boxing on TV, nobody can compete, and everybody is isolated.  It’s just unfortunate, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.  Health concerns are and should always be the top priority.”

Williams hasn’t been in action since last October 24th, when he fought to a questionable eighth-round majority draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins, in which Williams retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States (USNBC) super lightweight title.  Most observers felt that Williams deserved a win by decision.

Since the beginning of 2020, Williams had been training for an expected fight in the first third of the year, and he’s still training to stay in shape, albeit it not the same way as if he had a confirmed fight date.

“I’m still doing some training,” Williams explained.  “I need to stay in shape for when the call comes after boxing returns.  I’m in decent shape and when I get my next fight date, I won’t have to go from zero to get ready.  I want to maintain 50 to 60 percent shape and then finish off training on schedule for my next fight.”

“I know Mykey has still been running,” Williams’ head trainer Paul Cichon added.  “We’re going to be back training soon.  I believe everything happens for a reason.  Mykey and me had a conference call with (manager) Jackie Kallen and (promoter) Lou DiBella, and we trust that, as soon as possible, Mykey will be back in action.”

Because Williams doesn’t turn 22 until this April 6, in addition to already being a pro boxer for nearly four years, his young boxing career figures to resume quicker and stronger than for many older boxers.  Losing six months shouldn’t hinder a prospect like Williams as much as a veteran who may not have nearly as much comparable quality competitive time left in the ring.

“I’m not sure if age is that big an advantage,” Williams countered.  “If some fighters were getting burned out because they were fighting a lot, taking time off, whether it’s due to the virus or not, a break may help them come back better and stronger than when they last fought.”

Williams was a five-time national amateur champion, compiling a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three Ringside World titles, in addition to gold medal performances at the National PAL and National Silver Gloves championship.

“I don’t know when boxing will return,” Williams concluded, “but boxing will never die.  People will always want to see guys punching each other in the face.  Boxing is a sport rich in tradition and, right now, there is still a lot of talent coming up.”

And Mykquan Williams will be right at the head of that next wave when the boxing ban is finally lifted.

INFORMATION:

Twitter:  @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen

Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen

Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen

Celebrated manager Jackie Kallen predicts unbeaten Mykquan Williams will be her sixth world champion

MANCHESTER, Conn. (February 12, 2020) – Women’s pioneer Jackie Kallen, the first and arguably most successful female manager in the boxing history, strongly believes unbeaten 21-year-old “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will develop into her sixth world champion.

Williams, fighting out of East Hartford, CT, is the reigning the World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion.

“Mykey has a lot of the qualities as some of the greats in boxing,” Kallen said.  “He has some of the flash and speed of fighters like Ray Leonard, and the training habits and dedication of Thomas Hearns and Mike Tyson.  He also has a killer smile and good looks like Hector Camacho, Sr.

“Mykey can go all the way to a world title.  He has the speed, attitude, and heart, along with exceptional boxing ability.  He has been groomed perfectly by his trainer, Paul Cichon, who has kept Mykey true to his style, working hard to perfect his skill.  Mykey trains hard, eats right, and takes the game seriously.”

“Jackie’s very experienced and knowledgeable in boxing,” Williams remarked.  “She’s worked with some great, world-class fighters, so she knows the route to take for me to get there.”

Cichon added, “I sought out Jackie as our manager because of her love for the sports, as well as the knowledge of that she brings to the table.  She’s very well respected, as she certainly deserves to be.”

Boxing has dramatically changed since Kallen covered her first fight for a Detroit daily newspaper in 1978.  The card showcased Hearns and Mickey Goodwin.  She became an instant fan and wrote about boxing on a regular basis.  A legendary trainer/manager based in Detroit, Emanuel Steward, hired her as a publicist for his famed Kronk Gym.  Some of her best friends to this day are fighters who she worked with back then.  She and Hearns still get together.

After serving as Kronk’s publicist for a decade, Kallen decided to branch out and she started managing fighters.  Her first client was heavyweight Bobby Hitz, who today is a successful promoter and restaurateur in Chicago.  She went on to manage a group of Who’s Who fighters, including world champions James ToneyBronco McKartTom “Boom Boom” JohnsonPinklon Thomas andNonito Donaire.

Kallen, who overcame sexism in the boxing industry, is best known, perhaps, for her working relationship with Toney, largely because her life during that period was the inspiration for the popular 2004 movie, Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan as Kallen.

“Boxing today is a totally different animal,” she explained. “That’s not to say it’s better or worse, just different.  There used to be more gyms in every city, heavy amateur programs, lots of shows on television networks, and enough local club shows to keep a young fighter active.  I had guys back then who fought 8 to 10 times a year, which, of course, is almost impossible in 2020.

“There wasn’t as much information available on opponents either.  If you were lucky, you could buy a tape. If the fighter hadn’t been on television, though, you were out of luck.  There was no Internet, so there was nothing like BoxRec to check opponents’ records.  You just had to believe the matchmaker.  I had fighters expecting to fight a 14-4 guy who found out at the weigh in that he was actually 16-0.”

Boxing, likely the second-oldest profession, has continued to survive, albeit often on a roller-coaster ride.

“Today’s fighters are not as quick to fight each other as they were in the days of Hearns/Hagler/Leonard/Duran,” Kallen noted.  “Back then, fighters wanted to really fight to be the best they could be.  I see fighters today being more analytical and taking less chances.

“There are also more sanctioning organizations today.  Back then it was most the WBA, WBC and IBF.  Not to mention there was never one person who managed dozens and dozens of boxers at the same time.  The game has definitely changed!”

Kallen, though is still heavily invested in the sport she loves.  Confident Williams will be her next world champion, her dream is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with Toney. 

“In 1992,” Kallen concluded, “I was named ‘Manager of the Year’ and my love for the sport has never waned.  As long as there is talent out there needing guidance, I will stay active.”

INFORMATION:

Twitter:  @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen

Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen

Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen

Unbeaten Mykquan Williams learned invaluable lesson for future

 Picture by Emily Harney / Team Williams
 
MANCHESTER, Conn. (November 4, 2019) – The true test for a genuine boxing prospect is how he or she responds to adversity, whether it included a loss, cut, knockdown or, in the case of “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, a disputed decision that tarnished his perfect pro record.
 
The 21-year-old Williams, now 15-0-1 (7 KOs), was recently on the short end of a highly disputed eight-round draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3, 6 KOs), in the “Broadway Boxing” main event held at Generoso Pope Athletic Complex on the campus of St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
 
Nobody claimed the questionable decision was highway robbery, yet, most non-partisan fans at the show, or those watching live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, felt Williams rightfully deserved to have his arms raised in victory. Despite having a blemish placed on his pro record, he didn’t suffer a loss, and did  retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight title.  
 
Williams’ opponent was a southpaw with a five-inch height advantage. Once he felt Williams’ power, especially in the liver, Wiggins went into survival mode, clutching and grabbing every time Williams got close.
 
Neither Williams nor his head trainer, Paul Cichon, was pleased when the judges’ scores were announced – 77-75 in favor of Williams, 76-76 twice – for a majority draw. Never-the-less, both feel that this developmental lesson will pay dividends down the road.
 
“The plan was for me to work inside,” Williams said after the fight. “The first and second were feeling out rounds and then I’d adjust. I didn’t feel from the start that he could hurt me. I wanted to get inside and beat him with body punches. I did that but I think I played to the crowd a little too much. I’d change that if I could go back. And I would have let my hands go more, but I won this fight because I landed the harder, cleaner more effective shots throughout the fight. He just wanted to hold.
 
“I’m disappointed because I was defending my title, but I didn’t lose the fight and I still have my belt. I ll have a lot to learn and I’ll be back in the gym soon to fix errors I made so that I won’t have those issues my next fight.”
 
Cichon felt that Williams won five if not six rounds because he was the aggressor throughout the match. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Mykye was the champion and I thought that he (Wiggins) would have needed to win convincingly to win rounds. He didn’t. Mykye started using his double jab to get inside and then he killed his opponent’s body. The body shots brought Wiggins’ hands down. Mykye stalked and hurt him a few times.
 
“Mykye learned a valuable lesson like not letting the crowd get to him, and never letting up on the gas.Wiggins was smart. Every time Mykye got close to him, he grabbed him, especially after he felt Mykye’s powerful body shots. It may have been ugly, but he fought smart.”
 
Team Williams agrees that there’s no sense rushing Williams, after all, he’s only 21, but that 2020 should be an active, career-changing year for the East Hartford (CT) fighter.
 
“I’m ready to fight at the next level,” Williams concluded. “Time will tell. Styles make fights but I hurt him (Wiggins) several times.”
 
“We’ll jump back in the ring in early 2020,” Cichon added. “We’re looking to fight opponents with winning records, but not another six-foot southpaw.”
 
“I was very proud of Mykey,” Williams’ manager Jackie Kallen commented. It was a learning experience that will make him an even greater fighter. He is still undefeated and one of the top young prospects in the 140-pound division. The next year will be a pivotal one for him.” 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen
Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen
 

“Marvelous” Mykquan Williams Meet-and-Greet & Back to School Backpack Giveaway a KO

Everybody had a good time with “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams
(Photo gallery below, courtesy of Emily Harney / Team Williams) 

MANCHESTER, Conn. (August 22, 2019) — Even dangerous thunderstorms and tornado warnings couldn’t deter fans from attending yesterday’s meet-and-greet and back to school backpack give-way with undefeated super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, presented by DiBella Entertainment and Team Williams, at ROCS Gym in Manchester, Connecticut.
 
Williams signed autographs, posed for pictures and gave each child (K-12) a free backpack for school.
 
The 21-year-old Williams (15-0, 7 KOs), who lives in East Hartford (CT), has an inspiring story in which his father was murdered when Mykquan was eight months old, and the family house burned to the ground when he was 10.
 
“Everything went very well,” a happy Williams said. “All the kids got a backpack and had a good time. My team made it possible for me to do it. Shout out to DiBella Entertainment, Wet Paint and Capital Bail Bonds. I did this event to give back to the community but, more importantly, help parents who may have a little bit of difficulty getting everything their kids need for school.”
 
Williams is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion, who is rated No. 5 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), and No. 12 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).
 
He is promoted by Lou DiBella, managed by Jackie Kallen and trained by Paul Cichon.


 

DiBella Entertainment signs Conn. Teenage Prospect Mykey Williams

 

(photo by Emily Harney)
NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 28, 2016) – DiBella Entertainment has announced the signing of E. Hartford, Connecticut 18-year-old welterweight prospect Mykquan “Mykey” Williams (1-0, 1 KO) to an exclusive promotional contract.
Williams, who is currently finishing his junior year at A.I. Prince Technical School in Hartford, was a decorated amateur boxer with a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.
“I am thrilled to sign such a hungry, young prospect like Mykey Williams,” said Lou DiBella. “Williams is an accomplished amateur and Jackie Kallen certainly has an eye for spotting great talent. He already has a growing fan base in the New England area and I am confident that he will quickly develop into a rising prospect.”
“Signing with DiBella was the best move for me,” Williams commented. “I’m excited to be fighting under the DiBella banner now. He’s a great promoter who will help me get to the world-class level in this sport. I’m just happy that the ball is finally rolling!”
Williams has already overcome tremendous obstacles during his young life, including the shooting murder of his father when Mykey was only one week old, and then his house burned down 10 years later.
Paul Cichon, a 2014 Conn. Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, has trained Williams since he was seven. “If anybody had a reason to go the wrong way, it was Mykey,” Cichon added. “But he’s a great kid who is a hard worker and is always happy with a positive attitude.  He’s a boxer who can punch and when he sets up his opponent, watch out, because he’s in big trouble. Mykey is a great finisher who moves well and has good defense. He’s a left-hander who goes to the body to breakdown his opponent. Mykey’s slick and hard to hit, but he’s also unique because he’s a naturally gifted athlete who could have excelled at any sport he chose.”
Although Williams made his successful professional debut on April 16th at Foxwoods Resorts Casino in a card promoted by DiBella Entertainment, he will make his DiBella Entertainment debut this Thursday night (June 30) at Foxwoods in a four-round bout.
“I haven’t been this excited about a fighter since I signed James Toney in 1989,” famed boxing manager Jackie Kallen exclaimed. “Mykey Williams is the real deal. His future is unlimited and we are thrilled to partner up with DiBella Entertainment to make it all happen.”
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com, follow on Twitter @LouDiBella and @MarvelousMyke or become a fan on Facebook www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

BOXING’S TOP WOMEN TO HONOR KATHY DUVA WITH “RAGING BABE LUMINARY” AWARD AT RAGING BABE BRUNCH, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 

NEW YORK – May 24, 2016 – The weekend of June 11th, boxing’s most influential women will gather for brunch in the Big Apple for the 7th Raging Babe event of its kind, dubbed New York, New York. Attendees will include promoters, network executives, public relations representatives, referees, fighters and others, and come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and levels of experience. Women who have attended Raging Babe events have networked, forged business and personal relationships and have been inspired by the stories of success and persistence shared by the hundreds of attendees over the past few years. There may be no woman that better personifies a story of success and persistence than Kathy Duva, who will be honored with the Raging Babe Luminary Award at the brunch.

Duva, the CEO of Main Events, and a mother of three, has been involved with boxing for nearly forty years, entering the business while in college with her then boyfriend Dan Duva. The Duvas teamed up to promote some of boxing’s top talent over the years under the Main Events banner, including Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitacker, Arturo Gatti and Fernando Vargas, all while cultivating powerful relationships with HBO and other networks. Kathy continued her husband’s legacy after his passing in 1996, becoming one of the most recognized figures in boxing. Most recently, Duva and Main Events have developed one of boxing’s most avoided superstars in Sergey Kovalev.

“Kathy Duva is the perfect honoree for our first New York City Brunch,” said Raging Babe founder and namesake Michelle Rosado. “Boxing, like the ‘Concrete Jungle,’ has so many hard edges, and can be tough to navigate…but like New York City, it is full of opportunity for the right type of person, and Kathy Duva is that kind of person. She’s a headstrong, smart and persistent woman, who has an uncanny ability to endear people to her while not taking any gruff from anyone. It’s our honor to recognize her at the brunch.”

Past Raging Babe event honorees have included the “First Lady of Boxing” Jackie Kallen, Public Relations ace Kelly Swanson, TV trailblazer Claudia Trejo, heart transplant recipient Kennedy Cunningham,  Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Chief Operating Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis, and Golden Boy’s Monica Sears. “It’s a privilege to stand in a room with women of this caliber,” said Rosado. “The Raging Babe Brunch started as a concept…something we might try to do yearly, but it’s become such a powerful and valuable event for attendees, we’re growing and doing more than one event per year. We’re able to do this because of the women of boxing that continue to support the event, and of course, thanks to our event partners.
 
The East Coast is well overdue for a Raging Babe Brunch, and I’m so pleased to be able to work with our partners to bring the event to New York City.”

The Raging Babe Brunch is made possible by the generous support of World Boxing Organization (WBO), War Tape, Box Stats, Boss Case (owned and operated by Raging Babe Livvy Cunningham), World Boxing Council (WBC) and Youth Fighting Forward.

For information on attending or sponsoring this prestigious event, please contactmichelle@ragingbabe.com.

Raging Babe Soiree benefiting the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame on April 29 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (April 22, 2015) – The Raging Babe Soiree: Reaching New Heights presented by RAGING BABE will take place on April 29, 2015, just three days before the fight of the century, Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Over 100 of boxing’s most prestigious and influential women have been invited to attend this exclusive event. The Raging Babe Soiree will be held at Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, located in The Linq Promenade in Las Vegas. After dinner, the women of boxing will take in the best views of Las Vegas aboard the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller which features 28 spherical passenger cabins which can accommodate up to 40 passengers each, and is illuminated with dynamic multicolored LED lights nightly. Concluding the night with custom cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes.

“I’m amazed at how far this event has come,” said Michelle Rosado, CEO of Raging Babe. “There were only about 30 invitees at our first event in 2013 and now, two years later, we have over 100 invitees and this is our ‘night out’ to celebrate our accomplishments. Each event we strive to continue developing a strong network and camaraderie amongst these amazing women in professional boxing. It is something that cannot be duplicated.”

The event’s honoree is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, COO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and widow of champion boxer, Diego “Chico” Corrales.

Hosting will be Jackie Kallen, “The First Lady of Boxing” and Boxing Insider correspondent. “I am thrilled to once again be joining forces with Michelle Rosado to host the premier female boxing event of the fight weekend. It’s a pleasure to do something to benefit the NVBHOF and give the women in a boxing an event of their own,” stated Kallen.

In addition to honoring Michelle Corrales-Lewis, Raging Babe will donate a percentage of all financial contributions from event sponsors to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame organization. The NVBHOF is a nonprofit organization that prides itself in honoring the sport of boxing and celebrating to accomplishments of those within it. NVBHOF also supports several community programs, amateur boxing clubs, collegiate boxing programs and several boxing related causes. To learn more, please visit www.nvbhof.com.

Sponsoring this wonderful event is the World Boxing Council (www.wbcboxing.com), Champs Boxing & Fitness Club (www.champsboxingclub.org), 3-Point Tequila, DJ Nina9 (www.nina9.com), Sprinkles Cupcakes (www.sprinkles.com), Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar (www.chayolv.com), and Ramblin Ralph.

Aside from ring announcing, RAMBLIN RALPH’S main goal is to protect boxing superstars and prospects alike, along with their families, outside of the ring. RAMBLIN RALPH has aligned himself with sports biggest agencies to offer programs for boxers such as 401k, pension, and life insurance. He also brokers deals providing branding, licensing and promotional opportunities with the biggest companies in the world. The goal of RAMBLIN RALPH is to shorten the time of a boxer in the ring, and increase their portfolio outside the ring. You can contact RAMBLIN RALPH for more information at 602-695-5798 or by email at ralphvelezjr@gmail.com.

For more information and/or to become a sponsor of the Raging Babe Soiree – Reaching New Heights, contact Michelle Rosado at michelle@ragingbabe.com.