Who is Don King? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Donald King

Age: 93 Years, 93 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Henrietta King (m. 1959–2010)

father: Clarence King

mother: Hattie King

children: Carl, Debbie, Eric

Sports Administrators American Men

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

U.S. State: Ohio

City: Cleveland, Ohio

Recommended For You

1

Where is Don King from?

Don King is from Cleveland, Ohio.
2

What is Don King known for?

Don King is best known as a prominent American boxing promoter.
3

How did Don King become a successful boxing promoter?

Don King started by organizing local boxing events and eventually gained recognition for promoting high-profile fights, leading to his success in the industry.
4

Has Don King been involved in any controversies?

Yes, Don King has been involved in various controversies over the years, including allegations of bribery and fraud in his boxing promotions.
5

What impact has Don King had on the boxing world?

Don King is credited with revolutionizing the boxing industry by promoting some of the most iconic fights and boxers in history, making a lasting impact on the sport.

Recommended Lists:

American People

Tall Celebrities

Tall Male Celebrities

Male Sportspersons

American Sportspersons

Childhood & Early Life

Donald ‘Don’ King was born to Clarence King and Hattie in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended the Kent State University for a brief period time, after which he dropped out of the same.

He began operating an illegal bookmaking operation and was later charged for the murder of two men, for which he served a jail term but was later granted pardon.

Continue Reading Below

Recommended Lists:

American Sports Administrators

Career

In 1974, he began his first venture as a boxing promoter with the legendary and historic boxing event, ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, which took place between Muhammad Ali and Heavyweight champion George Foreman.

In 1975, he promoted the boxing match, ‘Thrilla in Manila’, which took place between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in Quezon City, Philippines. This was the third match between the two boxers.

In the 1970s he progressed as a boxing promoter and soon became one of the most successful promoters. By this time he had promoted fighters like Wilfred Ben�tez, Wilfredo G�mez and Larry Holmes.

In 1982, he was sued by Muhammad Ali for fraudulent handling of funds and underpaying the latter a sum of $1.1 million. He, however, ended the lawsuit by paying Ali a sum of $50,000 in cash.

In 1984, he managed ‘The Victory Tour’ of Michael Jackson and his brothers - ‘The Jacksons’.

In 1992, he was questioned by The Senate for his connection with organised crime and links with mobster John Gotti. He pleaded being not guilty and denied having any connections.

He was sued by Larry Holmes for mishandling of funds and accounting and auditing manipulation. He later made a settlement with the latter for a sum of $150,000.

In 1996, boxer Terry Wayne Norris accused him of not paying the amount that Wayne was entitled to and also accused him of stealing money. The dispute was settled out of court for a sum of $7.5 million.

He was sued by boxer Tim Witherspoon, who accused him of forcing him to sign contracts, including a blank contract and mishandling of funds. The dispute was later settled out of the court for a sum of $1 million.

In 1998, he became the owner of a weekly newspaper that was based in Cleveland. The main objective of the paper was to serve the African-American community.

He was sued by Mike Tyson for a sum of $100 million for cheating him with respect to funds for over a decade. The case, however, was settled out of court and he paid Tyson, a sum of $14 million.

In 2006, he was sued by boxer Chris Cornelius Byrd, who accused him of breach of contract. The case was settled out of court, after he made an agreement to release Byrd’s contract.

Awards & Achievements

In 1997, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

In 2008, he was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1959, he married Henrietta with whom he had three children. His wife died in the year 2010. He has five grandchildren.

Trivia

According to a magazine, this American boxing promoter was arrested over 35 times on charges that ranged from running red light districts to manslaughter.

Don King Biography

You wanted to know

Where is Don King from?

What is Don King known for?

How did Don King become a successful boxing promoter?

Has Don King been involved in any controversies?

What impact has Don King had on the boxing world?