Who’s That Guy – Johnny McClain – Story by Lori Steinhorst

All in all I have to say that the man behind Laila Ali, Johnny McClain can get on your nerves. And having been the focus of a couple of his rantings, I can tell you that he knows well how rip right through you.

What is up with this guy and who is he, I asked myself. And why does he keep picking on me? Ok…he is a former two time World Champion, I can appreciate that. Manages the career of one of Women in Boxing’s biggest stars….even married her. So….what is he yelling about? Well, I think I finally figured it out. He is shouting out to the world….the world that said that Laila couldn’t do it….that it was all a gimmick….that she was riding on the coat tails of her father. He is shouting out to those that criticize her because they are jealous or filled with envy…so much so that they hate her for all that she has accomplished and for being an attractive young woman as well.

I would not have believed that people felt that way had I not heard those comments from people myself….still I found it hard to believe it as I was hearing it. So on that note I found him a bit more tolerable. He is a man, he can’t help that, but he is doing his best to protect her as they go about the business of accomplishing a goal…a young woman’s dream to be the best.

I was invited to the Absoloot Boxing Gym by Laila and McClain’s mother Nisaa Seifullah, a kind and very sweet woman, so I am reasonably sure McClain did not inherit that wildness from his mother….must be self made.

This is where I learned that there was a very different Johnny McClain. This man….was soft spoken…I want to say mostly because he shouted so much the night before, he had lost his voice! But he was quiet and gentle….he was addressing another crowd, but this time….it was a crowd of children.

Beside him stood his wife, his mother and Dr. Sandra Owens-Kane, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work. Their mission? To let these children know they are there to assist them in every aspect of their lives….not just to teach them how to box, but nutrition, tutoring, social issues….rounding out their lives. A complete and total program to guide them through their lives. So McClain, who wasn’t shouting anymore, was reaching out, just as he has been for his wife, to help these children grow into successful adults. Now that is something to admire and appreciate.

If reaching out to under privileged children and adults takes some shouting….then I am right there with him. You know they say the squeaky wheel gets the grease….so I understand this mans mission…and the mission of the Absoloot Awareness Foundation. And if his shouting creates some awareness and the response brings favor to his program….I won’t feel so bad when he shouts at me. Anyone who reaches out to help children and a community in need, no matter how they achieve it, has a good heart. And I have a new respect and appreciation for Johnny McClain. Johnny McClain with kids. ©Photos by Lori Steinhorst