Don King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don King
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King speaking at FreedomFest in July 2016
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| Born | August 20, 1931 |
| Occupation | Boxing promoter |
| Years active | 1952–present |
| Known for | "The Thrilla in Manila", "The Rumble in the Jungle" |
| Children | 3 |
Donald King (born August 20, 1931) is a famous American boxing promoter. He is well-known for organizing many important boxing matches throughout history.
King's career includes promoting huge events like "The Rumble in the Jungle" and the "Thrilla in Manila". He has worked with some of the biggest names in boxing. These include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield. Some boxers had disagreements or legal issues with him over time.
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Early Life and Challenges
Don King was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1931. He went to John Adams High and finished in 1951. After a short time at Kent State University, he started a business.
During his early life, King faced legal troubles. He spent time in prison. While in prison, he used his time to read and learn a lot. He said he read every book he could find in the prison library.
In 1983, Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes officially pardoned King. Many important people, like Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King, supported this decision.
Boxing Career Highlights
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Don King entered the world of boxing by helping to organize a charity boxing match. He convinced Muhammad Ali to participate for a hospital in Cleveland. He then partnered with another promoter, Don Elbaum.
In 1974, King arranged a major heavyweight championship fight. This was between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. It became famous as "The Rumble in the Jungle". King managed to get a record $10 million for the boxers. This was a huge amount of money at the time.
King also organized Ali's 1975 fight against Chuck Wepner. Many people believe this fight inspired the movie Rocky.
Later that year, King promoted another historic fight. It was the third match between Ali and Joe Frazier in Manila, Philippines. King called this event the "Thrilla in Manila". These big fights helped King become a top boxing promoter.
Throughout the 1970s, King continued to expand his boxing business. He worked with many talented fighters. These included Larry Holmes, Roberto Durán, and Alexis Argüello. Many of these boxers later became famous in the Hall of Fame.
For the next twenty years, King remained one of boxing's most successful promoters. He worked with champions like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Julio César Chávez.
Beyond Boxing
Outside of boxing, Don King also promoted music events. He was the concert promoter for The Jacksons' "Victory Tour" in 1984.
In 1998, King bought a newspaper in Cleveland called the Call and Post. This newspaper serves the African American community in Ohio. He continues to be its publisher.
King was recognized for his work in 2008. He was elected into the Gaming Hall of Fame. As of 2024, Don King continues to be involved in the boxing world.
Personal Life and Activities
Don King was married to Henrietta King, who passed away in 2010. They had three children: Debbie, Eric, and Carl. He also has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
King is interested in politics. He supported Barack Obama in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. He also supported George W. Bush in 2004 and has been a longtime supporter of Donald Trump.
In 1987, Don King became a Prince Hall Freemason. The next year, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Central State University.
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Every Christmas, King holds an annual turkey giveaway. He gives away two thousand free turkeys to families in need in South Florida.
Media Appearances and Portrayals
Don King has appeared in several TV shows and movies. He played small roles, often as himself or a character similar to him.
He was in the TV show Miami Vice in 1987. He also had brief appearances in films like The Last Fight (1982) and The Devil's Advocate (1997). King also appeared in a music video for Michael Jackson's song "Liberian Girl".
Don King as a Character
Don King has been portrayed by actors in several movies and TV shows.
- In 1995, Paul Winfield played King in the HBO movie Tyson.
- Ving Rhames played King in the 1997 HBO movie Don King: Only in America. Rhames won an award for his performance.
- Mykelti Williamson played King in the 2001 film Ali. This movie was about the "Rumble in the Jungle" fight.
Characters based on Don King have also appeared in media.
- The boxing promoter George Washington Duke in the film Rocky V (1990) was partly based on King.
- In The Simpsons episode "The Homer They Fall", the character Lucius Sweet looks and acts like Don King.
- In the video game Jade Empire, a character named Qui The Promoter is based on Don King.
Awards and Honors
- 1997: International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 2008: Gaming Hall of Fame inductee
- 2015: A street in Newark, New Jersey was renamed Don King Way.
- 2016: A street in Cleveland, Ohio, was also renamed Don King Way.
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