Donald King (born August 20, 1931) is an American boxing promoter renowned for his role in historic matches like “The Rumble in the Jungle” and the “Thrilla in Manila.” He has promoted legendary boxers such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield, among others.
Despite his success, King faced multiple lawsuits from fighters alleging fraud, with Mike Tyson famously stating he harmed more Black fighters than any white promoter in boxing history. King has also faced legal issues, including a manslaughter conviction in 1967 for killing an employee over a debt.
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Table of Contents
Don King Net Worth
Don King has a net worth of $150 million, but his career has been marred by lawsuits from several boxers. Muhammad Ali sued King in 1982 for being underpaid by $1.1 million, settling out of court for $50,000. Larry Holmes claimed King cheated him out of $10 million, ultimately accepting a $150,000 settlement and agreeing not to publicly criticize King.
Tim Witherspoon alleged he was tricked into giving over 80% of his fight earnings to King, suing for $25 million but settling for $1 million. Mike Tyson also accused King of stealing millions, settling for $14 million after a $100 million lawsuit.
Early life
Donald King was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from John Adams High in 1951. After dropping out of Kent State University, he operated an illegal bookmaking business. King was involved in two fatal incidents: in 1954, he shot Hillary Brown during a robbery,
which was ruled justifiable homicide, and in 1967, he was convicted of second-degree murder for stomping to death an employee over a debt. While incarcerated, he educated himself by reading extensively. Released in 1972, he received a pardon in 1983 from Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes, supported by notable figures.
Career
Don King entered the boxing world by persuading Muhammad Ali to participate in a charity exhibition in Cleveland, aided by singer Lloyd Price. He partnered with promoter Don Elbaum and negotiated the historic 1974 heavyweight championship fight between Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, known as “The Rumble in the Jungle,” securing a record $10 million purse.
King solidified his status by promoting Ali’s fights and acquiring a roster of Hall of Fame fighters like Larry Holmes and Roberto Durán. He remains active in boxing, promoting champions and exploring future events in 2024.
Personal Life
Don King‘s wife, Henrietta, passed away on December 2, 2010, at 87. They had one biological daughter, Debbie, a son, Eric, an adopted son, Carl, along with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Politically active, King supported Barack Obama in the 2008 and 2012 elections, despite previously promoting George W. Bush.
He became a Prince Hall Freemason in 1987 and received an honorary Doctorate from Central State University. King has hosted an annual turkey giveaway for needy families in South Florida and was hospitalized in September 2024 due to an unspecified illness.
What is Don King doing now?
Don King was elected to the Gaming Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2023, he was named the financier of the Bomaye Fight Club in Major League Wrestling.
As of 2024, King continues to promote world champions and is currently in discussions with Canadian boxing promoter Dan Otter to organize the WBC Cruiserweight World Title bout later this year.
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Conclusion
Don King’s net worth and career reflect a complex blend of brilliance and controversy. Despite his legal and ethical battles, King’s impact on boxing’s commercial side is undeniable, cementing his status as an iconic if divisive, figure in sports promotion.
FAQs about Don King’s Net Worth
- How did Don King make his fortune? King amassed his fortune primarily through promoting major boxing matches and managing some of the sport’s biggest names.
- Has Don King’s past affected his net worth? His controversial past, including legal battles with boxers over financial disputes, has likely impacted his wealth, although he remains significantly affluent.
- What is Don King’s most successful promotion? “The Rumble in the Jungle” and “Thrilla in Manila” are often considered his most significant and successful promotions.
- Does Don King still promote boxing matches? As of 2023, King is not actively promoting boxing matches like he used to, given his age and the changing dynamics of the sport.
- What’s the legacy of Don King in the world of boxing? King’s legacy is a complex one, marked by both his unparalleled success in promoting large-scale events and his numerous legal and ethical controversies.
