Donald King (born August 20, 1931) is a legendary American boxing promote….one of a rare extraordinaire kind….who was known for his involvement in historic boxing match-ups….featuring more legends of boxing….than any other promoter throughout boxing history…for he was truly one of a kind.
What this lil ole chiweenie Sportsphile loved about King….other than his awesome hair….was his true love of America….for Don King truly believed that his opportunity to promote the best boxers in the world….could ONLY happen in America….and he promoted many events with a patriotic theme….with small American flags in his hand. He has been a controversial figure, partly due to a manslaughter conviction…which was later pardoned….and civil cases against him….cuz he made a lot of money….and owned business that required tough negotiation….and tough collection….for it is my opinion that it would have been very difficult “to get the best of” Don King at the negotiation table.
Don King’s career highlights include, among multiple other enterprises….promoting “The Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman….and the “Thrilla in Manila” between Smokin Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali…..King promoted some of the most prominent names in boxing including Muhammad Ali….Joe Frazier….George Foreman….Larry Holmes….Mike Tyson….Evander Holyfield….Julio César Chávez….Ricardo Mayorga….Andrew Golota….Bernard Hopkins….Félix Trinidad….Roy Jones Jr….and Marco Antonio Barrera. Some of these boxers sued him for allegedly defrauding them….with most of the lawsuits being settled out of court….but that is the way life is in the world of “The Don” Don King.
