Leaping Lena: A Trailblazer Female Boxing Manager of her pro brother King Levinsky

“Leaping Lena” Levy, a name that resonates with resilience and innovation, has received the Trailblazer Pioneer Special Award from the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame. This honor is not just a  recognition of her past achievements but a celebration of the groundbreaking role she played as one of the most significant Pioneer Trailblazers who was a boxing manager for her brother King Levinsky, a highly noted male professional boxer in the 1920s and 1930s.

Born into a family with a strong appreciation for sports, Lena Levy developed a passion for boxing early on. As the sister of King Levinsky, stepped into the managerial role with a mix of determination and love. At a time when women were seldom seen in such roles, Lena not only managed King’s career but also carved out a unique space for herself in the sport and the history of women’s boxing.

“Leaping Lena” meticulously orchestrated her brother’s training, developing strategies that would lead him to fight in over 125 professional bouts. Under her guidance, King fought renowned opponents like Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Joe Louis, and countless others in some of the largest venues in the sport that included many fights at the Madison Square Garden in New York, the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, and many major venues in Chicago.

What set “Leaping Lena” apart from her contemporaries was not merely her role as a manager; but known for preparing her brother with unique training regimens, she famously claimed to be readying a “secret food” that would make King “more deadly than a Bengal tiger, and more ferocious than a wounded leopard cat!” This playful yet powerful statement reflects her understanding of the importance of both physical conditioning and mental preparation.

Lena’s approach was holistic; she wasn’t just a manager but also a trainer, a confidante, and a source of inspiration. In the ringside corner, her voice rang above the noise, guiding King throughout his fights.

In a local library, “Leaping Lena” Levy is featured in a book by the legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice.  He asserted that “the big show isn’t always inside the ropes”.  Rice characterized Lena as “the guide, philosopher, and sometimes friend, and he recognized the significant influence she had in the sport of boxing.

Rice wrote, “Leaping Lena wasn’t just a supportive sister; she was a dynamic force behind her brother’s success. She became known for her distinctive ability to motivate and train Levinsky, using her remarkable voice and charisma to rally the crowd and bolster her brother’s confidence.”

“Lena’s contributions did not go unnoticed. Throughout her career, she garnered substantial media coverage that showcased her talent and highlighted her pioneering spirit. Articles and news clips featured her skillfully working King’s corner during fights, demonstrating her deep knowledge of boxing and her commitment to excellence,” added Rice.

Today, “Leaping Lena” Levy stands as a symbol of perseverance and strength in a sport that often overlooks the contributions of women.