Jolene Mizzone: A Journey in Boxing
Jolene Mizzone, who began her career as a receptionist in a boxing promotion office in the late 1990s, is set to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025. Initially unfamiliar with many aspects of boxing beyond its most famous fighters, including Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, Mizzone was simply seeking employment at the time. However, the sport soon captivated her attention.
From Receptionist to Fighter Relations
Transitioning from her office role, Mizzone became involved in fighter relations and logistics, responsible for coordinating everything from travel to accommodations for the boxers. Her hands-on experiences included overseeing medical arrangements, setting up event venues, and shuttling fighters from the airport. As she became more familiar with the athletes, they shared insights about their craft, shaping her understanding of the sport.
“Getting to know these guys outside of the ring really caught my interest,”
she reflects.
Passion for Supporting Young Athletes
Mizzone’s commitment to supporting the success of young athletes quickly blossomed into a passion.
“I wanted to see them rise through the ranks and achieve their dreams of becoming champions,”
she explained. A significant turning point in her career came through a mentor in Kathy Duva, who presided over Main Events after her husband Dan’s death. Mizzone credits Duva’s guidance with propelling her into roles with increasing responsibility, including securing fight bookings.
Influential Figures and Career Growth
Another influential figure was Hall of Fame matchmaker Russell Peltz, who advised her to trust her instincts, a practice that has underpinned her career. Over time, Mizzone ascended through the ranks, ultimately becoming the president of Fighters First Management—a testament to her hard-earned place in boxing. Her experiences parallel those of the boxers she works with, as both parties navigate challenges to reach the top of their fields.
Witnessing the Evolution of Boxing
Through her near-30-year journey in boxing, Mizzone has witnessed the sport evolve, having interacted with legends like Arturo Gatti, whose electrifying matches at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall drew immense crowds. Mizzone recalls the intense atmosphere during Gatti’s fights, and how his tenacity ensured his status as one of Main Events’ key stars following the Holyfield era. Despite the pressures of the sport, Gatti’s character shone through, demonstrated by a moment when he called Mizzone to apologize for not greeting her after a grueling weigh-in.
Understanding Fighters Beyond the Ring
Mizzone’s interactions with fighters have often revealed their human sides—reflecting not only their athletic prowess but also their personalities. Another example includes Lennox Lewis, who provided a light-hearted moment regarding a mix-up with a ping pong table prior to a fight. These instances have informed Mizzone’s approach to managing fighters, recognizing that resilient athletes often face adversity both in and out of the ring.
Current Endeavors and Philosophy
Currently, Mizzone oversees rising star Brian Norman Jr., a WBO welterweight champion hailed for his down-to-earth personality and hard-fought path to success. After a notable knockout victory in Japan earlier this year, Norman displayed humility by attempting to cover his celebratory expenses, a gesture Mizzone described as unprecedented for a fighter.
Norman’s upcoming match against Devin Haney in Riyadh, scheduled for November 22, presents another opportunity for Mizzone to showcase her management style—dedicated to sincerity and authenticity rather than mere fame.
Empowering Women in Sports
Drawing on her insights into the boxing world, Mizzone encourages fighters for whom legacy matters more than dollar signs. Her life philosophy resonates strongly in a male-dominated landscape, advocating for women to harness their power:
“Be a boss. Bosses come in all shapes, sizes, genders. Just be yourself,”
she advises aspiring women in sports.
