Jackie Kallen is often called the “First Lady of Boxing,” but her reign of managing world champs didn’t begin with much fanfare. Kallen’s boxing career began during another barrier breaking role as a sports journalist in the 1970s. When she interviewed Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns, Kallen fell in love with boxing. READ: How one woman is helping inspire students at Schoolcraft College“Jackie Kallen changed my life,” McKart said. She had James “Lights Out” Toney and it was the hottest thing going.”“I knew from the beginning that he (McKart) would be a world champion.