Don King is one of those rare figures in sports history who managed to become just as famous – or infamous – as the athletes he represented. A man with a gravity-defying hairstyle and a flair for the dramatic, King is widely regarded as one of the most successful and controversial boxing promoters of all time. His life reads like a Hollywood script, filled with immense triumphs, bitter betrayals, legal battles, and an unrelenting hustle. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Don King, a man who changed the face of boxing forever.
Early Life: From Cleveland Streets to Prison Bars
Born on August 20, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, Don King grew up in a working-class neighborhood. After high school, he briefly attended Kent State University before dropping out. King’s early ventures into the world of organized sports and gambling were far from conventional. In fact, his first major business involved running an illegal bookmaking operation out of the basement of a record store.
But King’s life took a dark turn in the 1960s. Between 1964 and 1967, King was involved in two separate killings. In one case, he shot a man who attempted to rob his gambling den, which was ruled a justifiable homicide. The second incident, however, saw King stomp a man to death over a $600 debt. This led to a second-degree murder conviction that was later reduced to manslaughter. King ended up serving nearly four years in prison.
During his time behind bars, King didn’t waste time. He devoured books and focused on self-education, laying the groundwork for the man he would become. After being released, King received a full pardon thanks to letters from high-profile figures, helping him re-enter society with a clean slate.
Breaking Into Boxing: King Meets Ali
Upon his release, Don King knew he needed to pivot his career. He saw an opportunity in boxing and seized it with both hands. His breakthrough came when he persuaded Muhammad Ali to fight in a charity event to raise money for a local hospital. This one fight opened the doors King had been knocking on.
But King wasn’t content with small-time promotions. He quickly partnered with veteran promoter Don Elbaum, learning the ropes and gaining access to an impressive roster of fighters. In 1974, King made history by negotiating a record-breaking $10 million purse for the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. This fight, held in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), solidified King’s reputation as a powerful force in the boxing world.
Just a year later, King promoted another legendary bout – the “Thrilla in Manila,” the third fight between Ali and Joe Frazier. By this point, King was unstoppable, representing some of the biggest names in boxing.
The King of the Ring
Over the next few decades, Don King became synonymous with boxing’s biggest events. He worked with Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, Julio César Chávez, and many more. Whether you loved or hated him, King knew how to generate hype and deliver record-breaking paydays.
His influence wasn’t just limited to boxing. King even managed Michael Jackson’s Victory Tour and acquired the African American newspaper Call and Post, running it for many years. His empire grew, and so did his bank account. Today, Don King’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million.
At 93 years old, King remains active in the boxing community, though his days of promoting marquee fights are largely behind him.
Legal Troubles and Boxer Backlash
While King’s success is undeniable, his career is marred by controversy. Many boxers have accused King of underhanded dealings and financial exploitation. In 1982, Muhammad Ali sued King, claiming he was owed $1.1 million. The case settled for just $50,000, a figure many believe shortchanged the ailing Ali.
Larry Holmes also took King to court, alleging he had been cheated out of $10 million. Holmes settled for $150,000 but agreed to stop publicly criticizing King. Tim Witherspoon’s case might be one of the most egregious examples – he claimed King took more than 80% of his fight earnings. After suing for $25 million, Witherspoon settled for $1 million.
Even Mike Tyson, one of King’s closest fighters, turned on him. Tyson sued King for $100 million, eventually settling for $14 million. Tyson famously called King a “ruthless, greedy, and manipulative man.”
It’s rumored that King has been arrested over 35 times throughout his life, with charges ranging from assault to financial crimes. Despite these legal entanglements, King always seemed to land back on his feet, often settling cases quietly out of court.
Family and Personal Life
Behind the flamboyant public persona, Don King led a relatively private personal life. He was married to his wife, Henrietta, for 50 years until her passing in 2010. Together, they had three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
King is known for his charitable work, including hosting annual turkey giveaways during the holidays, distributing thousands of turkeys to families in South Florida. In 2008, King was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as a larger-than-life figure.
A Lasting Legacy
Don King’s journey from the streets of Cleveland to the pinnacle of boxing promotion is a testament to his resilience, charm, and hustle. His career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but no one can deny the mark he left on the sport of boxing.
Whether you see him as a hero or a villain, Don King’s story is one of survival and reinvention – the ultimate embodiment of the American dream, wrapped in controversy and spectacle.
