Boxing manager Jackie Kallen, whose life provided the inspiration for the film "Against the Ropes," is the latest pugilism heavyweight to join Mark Burnett's reality series "The Contender."

One of boxing's first and most successful female managers, Kallen will serve as a den mother for the 16 boxers chosen to compete on the NBC show, which is scheduled to premiere in January. She'll make sure they eat properly, train diligently and keep the fighting in the ring. She'll also provide emotional support when necessary.

"Once again, we've landed another great addition to our all-star team," Burnett ("The Apprentice") says. "Jackie has established herself as a well-respected force in the world of boxing and will bring the perfect touch to this show as a mentor, den mother and caretaker to our contestants."

Kallen joins a murderer's row of talent working behind the scenes and in front of the camera on "The Contender." Burnett has assembled a team that includes Jeffrey Katzenberg, Mark Burnett, Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard.

"The Contender" will follow the boxers over 16 weeks, charting their ups and downs as fighters are eliminated in route to a prize fight worth a million dollars.