Kellie Maloney English social activist and sportsman Country: Great Britain

Biography of Kellie Maloney

Kellie Maloney, formerly known as Frank Maloney, is an English social activist and athlete who gained worldwide recognition in the world of boxing. Seen as one of the most successful managers in the history of professional boxing, Frank Maloney, as he was known at the time, worked with Lennox Lewis for twelve years, from 1989 to 2001, helping him secure the world heavyweight champion title.

Frank's exceptional oratory skills and talent for negotiation made him renowned in boxing circles. He had a knack for getting exactly what he wanted, thanks to his impressive communication abilities. Interestingly, despite his tough exterior in the boxing world, Frank discovered his true identity as a woman, and now lives as Kellie Maloney.

Kellie Maloney was born into an Irish family in Peckham, London. While growing up, Frank developed an interest in boxing, but later considered pursuing a career as a Catholic priest. However, after an unpleasant experience in the seminary, he decided to explore other paths. Frank initially attempted a career as a jockey, but it proved unsuccessful. He then played football passionately but realized that talent could not replace persistence.

Eventually, Frank found a job in a sports hall in London, where he spent his time counting down to the start of boxing matches. Within a few months, he started coaching young athletes, and within a year, he organized amateur tournaments and championships. His success in amateur boxing caught the attention of professionals, and in the late 1970s, he began working with professional athletes and managers, quickly rising to fame.

At the start of his career, Frank collaborated closely with Frank Warren, who was both his partner and friend. However, in the early 1980s, as their young duo gained recognition, they decided to go their separate ways. Frank's true mark in boxing history came through his work with Lennox Lewis, a world heavyweight champion and one of the most successful boxers in sports history. Representing Lewis's interests for twelve years, Frank gained a reputation as an uncompromising promoter who would do whatever it took to achieve his own and his protege's goals.

Experts and analysts believe that Frank's legendary status was a result of his negotiation skills. His eloquence knew no bounds, and he intuitively identified the weak points of his opponents, always knowing how to attack effectively. Some even argue that Lewis owes his success not only to his physical abilities but also to the talent of his manager, who planned his path to glory from the early days of their partnership.

Throughout his over twenty-five years in boxing, Frank worked with dozens of athletes from the UK and other countries. Many of them consider him to be the person who opened their eyes to the world of professional boxing. In 2009, Frank suffered a heart attack right after a bout, worsened by the news of the suicide of Darren Sutherland, a boxer whom he was training at the time.

In 2013, Frank announced his retirement from the sport, acknowledging that boxing had drastically changed since his youth. In 2014, at the age of 61, he shocked the public by revealing his decision to transition to a woman. Changing his name to Kellie Maloney, she awaits surgery to complete her transformation.