Don King: The Controversial Boxing Promoter Who Made History

How Much is Don King Worth?

Let me tell you about Don King. This guy is a legend in the world of boxing, whether you love him or hate him. With a net worth of $150 million, Don King isn’t just a name; he’s a force. Known for his unmistakable style and controversial actions, King has been at the center of some of boxing's most iconic moments. He’s worked with giants of the sport like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, and so many others. He’s the man behind the "Rumble in the Jungle" and the "Thrilla in Manila," two of the most famous fights in history. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Don King has left an indelible mark on boxing.

Don King's Early Days

Don King’s story begins in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born on August 20, 1931. His journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in boxing wasn’t exactly a straight line. After dropping out of Kent State University, King found himself involved in illegal bookmaking operations. But things took a darker turn when he was sent to prison for murder. While locked up, King spent his time reading and educating himself, a move that would later help shape his future. After his release, high-profile figures advocated for a pardon, which eventually came through. This second chance allowed King to dive headfirst into the world of boxing promotion.

The Breakthrough Moment

King's big break came in 1974 when he negotiated a jaw-dropping $10 million purse for the legendary fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, known as the "Rumble in the Jungle." This fight took place in Zaire, Africa, and it was King’s ability to strike a deal with the Zaire government that set him apart from other promoters. The following year, King promoted Ali’s fight against Chuck Wepner, a match that surprised many when Wepner managed to knock Ali down. But Ali ultimately triumphed, and King’s reputation grew even stronger. The "Thrilla in Manila," another Ali fight, became one of King’s defining moments. His knack for creating drama and excitement around these fights turned him into a powerhouse promoter.

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Expanding Beyond Ali

While Muhammad Ali was a huge focus for Don King, he didn’t stop there. Over the years, he worked with an incredible lineup of boxers, including Larry Holmes, Salvador Sanchez, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, Wilfred Benitez, and Alexis Arguello. These partnerships ensured that King remained at the forefront of the boxing world long after Ali retired. His ability to attract top talent and create blockbuster fights kept him in the spotlight for decades.

What Else Did Don King Do?

Don King wasn’t just about boxing. He dabbled in other areas too, like managing Michael Jackson’s Victory Tour. He even purchased a newspaper called Call and Post and served as its editor for many years. These ventures showed that King wasn’t afraid to step outside the ring and try new things. His entrepreneurial spirit extended far beyond the world of boxing.

Legal Challenges and Controversies

Don King’s past is riddled with controversy. Back in the day, he ran an illegal bookmaking operation and was involved in two murders. In one case, he shot a man in self-defense during a robbery attempt, and the court ruled it a justifiable homicide. In another, he was convicted of second-degree murder after stomping a former employee to death over a $600 debt. This charge was later reduced to non-negligent manslaughter. Throughout his career, King faced lawsuits from boxers who accused him of underpaying them. Muhammad Ali sued him in 1982, alleging he was shortchanged by $1.1 million, but the case settled for $50,000. Larry Holmes claimed King cheated him out of $10 million, and Tim Witherspoon alleged he was forced to hand over more than 80% of his earnings. Even Mike Tyson accused King of stealing millions, eventually settling for $14 million. These legal battles cast a shadow over King’s career, raising questions about his ethics and business practices.

Don King’s Personal Side

Behind the scenes, Don King was a family man. He was married to Henrietta for 50 years until her passing in 2010. Together, they raised three children and had five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. King also gave back to his community by hosting an annual turkey giveaway at Christmas, providing free meals to those in need. In 2008, he was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as a larger-than-life figure in the world of sports and entertainment.