Don King - Revision history

Journeymen at 10:46, 4 October 2017

2017-10-04T10:46:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:46, 4 October 2017
Line 91:		Line 91:
	[[Category:IBHOF Members]]		[[Category:IBHOF Members]]
	[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members]]		[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members]]
			[[Category:Florida Boxing Hall of Fame]]

Elguapo427: /* External Links */

2013-11-10T06:16:29Z

External Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:16, 10 November 2013
Line 83:		Line 83:

	== External Links ==		== External Links ==
			*https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_King_(boxing_promoter)
	*[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]		*[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]
	*[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]		*[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]

Elguapo427: /* Quotes */

2013-11-10T06:15:00Z

Quotes

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:15, 10 November 2013
Line 78:		Line 78:
	*"King's an equal opportunity dirtbag, he screws everybody." - [[Larry Holmes]]		*"King's an equal opportunity dirtbag, he screws everybody." - [[Larry Holmes]]
	*"I found out that someone I believed was my surrogate father, my brother, my blood figure turns out to be the true Uncle Tom, the true nigger, the true sellout. He did more bad to black fighters than any white promoter ever in the history of boxing," - [[Mike Tyson]]		*"I found out that someone I believed was my surrogate father, my brother, my blood figure turns out to be the true Uncle Tom, the true nigger, the true sellout. He did more bad to black fighters than any white promoter ever in the history of boxing," - [[Mike Tyson]]
			* " He's a wretched, slimy, reptilian motherfucker. This is supposed to be my 'black brother', right? He's just a bad man, a real bad man. He would kill his own mother for a dollar. He's ruthless, he's deplorable, he's greedy... and he doesn't know how to love anybody."- [[Mike Tyson]]
	*"I am the living attestation of the American dream. I am the extolment of this great nation." - Don King		*"I am the living attestation of the American dream. I am the extolment of this great nation." - Don King
	*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King		*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King

Slugger at 11:22, 24 September 2012

2012-09-24T11:22:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:22, 24 September 2012
Line 3:		Line 3:
	[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]		[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]
	<Human>413070</Human>		<Human>413070</Human>
	'''[[:Category:Don King Gallery\|Don King Gallery]]'''~~<br><br>~~		'''[[:Category:Don King Gallery\|Don King Gallery]]'''

			== Biography ==
	His electric hair and fast-talk have made him one of the world's most recognizable figures. Yet Don King is more than merely a circus clown for boxing. His promotional skills are largely responsible for having made the sport a financial giant, for better or worse.		His electric hair and fast-talk have made him one of the world's most recognizable figures. Yet Don King is more than merely a circus clown for boxing. His promotional skills are largely responsible for having made the sport a financial giant, for better or worse.

Line 29:		Line 30:
	King's career as a promoter was soon born. It started in 1972, when King convinced Ali to fight an exhibition match in Cleveland to raise funds for a local hospital in financial trouble. The match grossed more than $80,000, piquing King's interest in the business of boxing.		King's career as a promoter was soon born. It started in 1972, when King convinced Ali to fight an exhibition match in Cleveland to raise funds for a local hospital in financial trouble. The match grossed more than $80,000, piquing King's interest in the business of boxing.

	Two years later, King founded Don King Productions and arranged for [[George Foreman]] to defend his heavyweight title against Ali in Zaire, guaranteeing the fighters an unprecedented $5 million apiece. [[George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali\|"The Rumble in the Jungle,"]] as it became known, started King's financial empire.		Two years later, King founded [[Don King Productions]] and arranged for [[George Foreman]] to defend his heavyweight title against Ali in Zaire, guaranteeing the fighters an unprecedented $5 million apiece. [[George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali\|"The Rumble in the Jungle,"]] as it became known, started King's financial empire.

	The following year, King promoted [[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (3rd meeting)\|"The Thriller in Manila,"]] the third of the three fights between Ali and [[Joe Frazier]]. Soon, King gained control of most of boxing's biggest names. As the first big-name black promoter in the business, King landed most of boxing's top African-American talent.		The following year, King promoted [[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (3rd meeting)\|"The Thriller in Manila,"]] the third of the three fights between Ali and [[Joe Frazier]]. Soon, King gained control of most of boxing's biggest names. As the first big-name black promoter in the business, King landed most of boxing's top African-American talent.
Line 61:		Line 62:
	Only fitting for a man grandiose in every way, King estimates he's spent upwards of $50 million defending himself in court over the years.		Only fitting for a man grandiose in every way, King estimates he's spent upwards of $50 million defending himself in court over the years.

	"Don King is a hip exploiter, an intelligent flesh peddler," wrote Newfield. "He knows which fighters to steal, how to exploit anyone's vice, vanity or insecurity and make a profit for himself."~~<br><br>~~		"Don King is a hip exploiter, an intelligent flesh peddler," wrote Newfield. "He knows which fighters to steal, how to exploit anyone's vice, vanity or insecurity and make a profit for himself."
	~~'''~~Ventures Outside of Boxing~~'''<br>~~
	King co-promoted the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which featured 55 concerts performed before 2 million fans. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.~~<br><br>~~		== Ventures Outside of Boxing ==
	~~'''~~Racial Slur~~'''<br>~~		King co-promoted the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which featured 55 concerts performed before 2 million fans. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.
	In 2012, King received criticism for using a racial slur against Mexican-Americans in a pre-fight press conference, referring to them as "wetbacks" who no longer are "running up and down picking the fruits and things." Taking offense, [[Chris Arreola]] unleashed a profanity-laden statement before being cut off in a post-fight interview on [[Showtime Championship Boxing]] following his win over [[Eric Molina]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cpni0ZBU40]~~<br><br>~~
	~~'''~~Recognition~~'''<br>~~		== Racial Slur ==
			In 2012, King received criticism for using a racial slur against Mexican-Americans in a pre-fight press conference, referring to them as "wetbacks" who no longer are "running up and down picking the fruits and things." Taking offense, [[Chris Arreola]] unleashed a profanity-laden statement before being cut off in a post-fight interview on [[Showtime Championship Boxing]] following his win over [[Eric Molina]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cpni0ZBU40]

			== Recognition ==
	*Named the greatest promoter in history by the [[World Boxing Council\|WBC]], [[World Boxing Association\|WBA]] and [[International Boxing Federation\|IBF]].		*Named the greatest promoter in history by the [[World Boxing Council\|WBC]], [[World Boxing Association\|WBA]] and [[International Boxing Federation\|IBF]].
	*Inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] (1997), [[World Boxing Hall of Fame]], and [[Florida Boxing Hall of Fame]] (2010).~~<br><br>~~		*Inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] (1997), [[World Boxing Hall of Fame]], and [[Florida Boxing Hall of Fame]] (2010).
	~~'''~~Quotes~~'''<br>~~
			== Quotes ==
	*"He has screwed everybody he has ever been around. Hog, dog, or frog, it don't matter to Don. If you got a quarter, he wants the first 26 cents." - [[Randall (Tex) Cobb]]		*"He has screwed everybody he has ever been around. Hog, dog, or frog, it don't matter to Don. If you got a quarter, he wants the first 26 cents." - [[Randall (Tex) Cobb]]

	*"King's an equal opportunity dirtbag, he screws everybody." - [[Larry Holmes]]		*"King's an equal opportunity dirtbag, he screws everybody." - [[Larry Holmes]]

	*"I found out that someone I believed was my surrogate father, my brother, my blood figure turns out to be the true Uncle Tom, the true nigger, the true sellout. He did more bad to black fighters than any white promoter ever in the history of boxing," - [[Mike Tyson]]		*"I found out that someone I believed was my surrogate father, my brother, my blood figure turns out to be the true Uncle Tom, the true nigger, the true sellout. He did more bad to black fighters than any white promoter ever in the history of boxing," - [[Mike Tyson]]

	*"I am the living attestation of the American dream. I am the extolment of this great nation." - Don King		*"I am the living attestation of the American dream. I am the extolment of this great nation." - Don King
			*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King

	*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King<br><br>		== External Links ==
	~~'''~~External Links~~'''<br>~~		*[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]
	[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]~~<br>~~		*[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]
	[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]

	{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Don}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Don}}

Earl at 14:35, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T14:35:05Z

Earl at 07:25, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T07:25:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:25, 31 August 2012
Line 80:		Line 80:
	*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King<br><br>		*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King<br><br>
	'''External Link'''<br>		'''External Link'''<br>
	[http://~~www.~~espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html\|"Only in America~~" By~~ Mike Puma]		[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]<br>
			[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]

	{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Don}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Don}}

Earl at 07:18, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T07:18:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:18, 31 August 2012
Line 41:		Line 41:
	King was charged with tax evasion in 1985, but was cleared; his secretary was convicted and served four months in prison. King's reputation as a swindler swelled in the 1980s with accusations by several boxers that King ripped them off. [[Tim Witherspoon]], who became heavyweight champion under King, reportedly received an out-of-court settlement worth more than $1 million.		King was charged with tax evasion in 1985, but was cleared; his secretary was convicted and served four months in prison. King's reputation as a swindler swelled in the 1980s with accusations by several boxers that King ripped them off. [[Tim Witherspoon]], who became heavyweight champion under King, reportedly received an out-of-court settlement worth more than $1 million.

	Holmes ~~was~~ another fighter with whom King had differences over money. "~~[King]~~ looks black, lives white and thinks green," ~~Holmes said.~~		Larry Holmes, another fighter with whom King had differences over money, said King "looks black, lives white and thinks green."

	Outside the courtroom, King continued to make history. He promoted [[Julio Cesar Chavez]]'s [[Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Greg Haugen\|fight]] against [[Greg Haugen]] in Mexico City in 1993 that drew 132,000 fans. The next year King promoted a record 47 world championship bouts.		Outside the courtroom, King continued to make history. He promoted [[Julio Cesar Chavez]]'s [[Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Greg Haugen\|fight]] against [[Greg Haugen]] in Mexico City in 1993 that drew 132,000 fans. The next year King promoted a record 47 world championship bouts.
Line 54:		Line 54:

	In 1998, Tyson brought a $100-million breach of trust lawsuit against King, claiming he had been ripped off by the promoter. Tyson settled out of court from $14 million in 2004.		In 1998, Tyson brought a $100-million breach of trust lawsuit against King, claiming he had been ripped off by the promoter. Tyson settled out of court from $14 million in 2004.

			In 1996, [[Terry Norris]] sued King, contending that King loaned $200,000 to Norris' manager, Joe Sayatovich, and then conspired with Sayatovich to pay Norris less for his fights than he was owed. King settled out of court for $7.5 million in 2003.

	In June 1999, the FBI searched King's office in Florida as part of an investigation to determine if the IBF fixed fights for kickbacks and sold ratings. "I don't want to have a combat with the FBI unless I'm going to be able to promote them in Madison Square Garden," said King, who emerged unscathed.		In June 1999, the FBI searched King's office in Florida as part of an investigation to determine if the IBF fixed fights for kickbacks and sold ratings. "I don't want to have a combat with the FBI unless I'm going to be able to promote them in Madison Square Garden," said King, who emerged unscathed.

	Only fitting for a man grandiose in every way, King estimates he's spent upwards of $30 million defending himself in court over the years.		Only fitting for a man grandiose in every way, King estimates he's spent upwards of $50 million defending himself in court over the years.

	"Don King is a hip exploiter, an intelligent flesh peddler," wrote Newfield. "He knows which fighters to steal, how to exploit anyone's vice, vanity or insecurity and make a profit for himself."		"Don King is a hip exploiter, an intelligent flesh peddler," wrote Newfield. "He knows which fighters to steal, how to exploit anyone's vice, vanity or insecurity and make a profit for himself."<br><br>

	~~[http://www.espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html\|"Only in America" By Mike Puma]~~<br><br>
	'''Ventures Outside of Boxing'''<br>		'''Ventures Outside of Boxing'''<br>
	King co-promoted the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which featured 55 concerts performed before 2 million fans. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.		King co-promoted the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which featured 55 concerts performed before 2 million fans. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.<br><br>

	'''Racial Slur'''<br>		'''Racial Slur'''<br>
	In 2012, King received criticism for using a racial slur against Mexican-Americans in a pre-fight press conference, referring to them as "wetbacks" who no longer are "running up and down picking the fruits and things." Taking offense, [[Chris Arreola]] unleashed a profanity-laden statement before being cut off in a post-fight interview on [[Showtime Championship Boxing]] following his win over [[Eric Molina]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cpni0ZBU40]		In 2012, King received criticism for using a racial slur against Mexican-Americans in a pre-fight press conference, referring to them as "wetbacks" who no longer are "running up and down picking the fruits and things." Taking offense, [[Chris Arreola]] unleashed a profanity-laden statement before being cut off in a post-fight interview on [[Showtime Championship Boxing]] following his win over [[Eric Molina]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cpni0ZBU40]<br><br>

	'''Recognition'''<br>		'''Recognition'''<br>
	*Named the greatest promoter in history by the [[World Boxing Council\|WBC]], [[World Boxing Association\|WBA]] and [[International Boxing Federation\|IBF]].		*Named the greatest promoter in history by the [[World Boxing Council\|WBC]], [[World Boxing Association\|WBA]] and [[International Boxing Federation\|IBF]].
	*Inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] (1997), [[World Boxing Hall of Fame]], and [[Florida Boxing Hall of Fame]] (2010).		*Inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] (1997), [[World Boxing Hall of Fame]], and [[Florida Boxing Hall of Fame]] (2010).<br><br>

	'''Quotes'''<br>		'''Quotes'''<br>
	*"He has screwed everybody he has ever been around. Hog, dog, or frog, it don't matter to Don. If you got a quarter, he wants the first 26 cents." - [[Randall (Tex) Cobb]]		*"He has screwed everybody he has ever been around. Hog, dog, or frog, it don't matter to Don. If you got a quarter, he wants the first 26 cents." - [[Randall (Tex) Cobb]]
Line 81:		Line 78:
	*"I am the living attestation of the American dream. I am the extolment of this great nation." - Don King		*"I am the living attestation of the American dream. I am the extolment of this great nation." - Don King

	*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King		*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King<br><br>
			'''External Link'''<br>
			[http://www.espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html\|"Only in America" By Mike Puma]

	{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Don}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Don}}

Earl at 06:58, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T06:58:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:58, 31 August 2012
Line 25:		Line 25:
	After one year of classes at Case Western Reserve University, King abandoned dreams of getting a college degree and became involved in gambling, controlling a numbers racket in Cleveland's ghetto.		After one year of classes at Case Western Reserve University, King abandoned dreams of getting a college degree and became involved in gambling, controlling a numbers racket in Cleveland's ghetto.

	In 1954 he killed a man who tried to rob one of his gambling houses. The shooting was ruled a justifiable homicide, sparing King a prison sentence. He wasn't so fortunate 13 years later, when he was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing a gambling associate who owed him $600. The charge was later reduced to manslaughter and King served 3 years and 11 months in Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio. He was released in September 1971.		In 1954, he killed a man who tried to rob one of his gambling houses. The shooting was ruled a justifiable homicide, sparing King a prison sentence. He wasn't so fortunate 13 years later, when he was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing a gambling associate who owed him $600. The charge was later reduced to manslaughter and King served 3 years and 11 months in Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio. He was released in September 1971.

	King's career as a promoter was soon born. It started in 1972, when King convinced Ali to fight an exhibition match in Cleveland to raise funds for a local hospital in financial trouble. The match grossed more than $80,000, piquing King's interest in the business of boxing.		King's career as a promoter was soon born. It started in 1972, when King convinced Ali to fight an exhibition match in Cleveland to raise funds for a local hospital in financial trouble. The match grossed more than $80,000, piquing King's interest in the business of boxing.

	Two years later King founded Don King Productions and arranged for [[George Foreman]] to defend his heavyweight title against Ali in Zaire, guaranteeing the fighters an unprecedented $5 million apiece. [[George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali\|"The Rumble in the Jungle,"]] as it became known, started King's financial empire.		Two years later, King founded Don King Productions and arranged for [[George Foreman]] to defend his heavyweight title against Ali in Zaire, guaranteeing the fighters an unprecedented $5 million apiece. [[George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali\|"The Rumble in the Jungle,"]] as it became known, started King's financial empire.

	The following year King promoted [[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (3rd meeting)\|"The Thriller in Manila,"]] the third of the three fights between Ali and [[Joe Frazier]]. Soon, King gained control of most of boxing's biggest names. As the first big-name black promoter in the business, King landed most of boxing's top African-American talent.		The following year, King promoted [[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (3rd meeting)\|"The Thriller in Manila,"]] the third of the three fights between Ali and [[Joe Frazier]]. Soon, King gained control of most of boxing's biggest names. As the first big-name black promoter in the business, King landed most of boxing's top African-American talent.

	"I never got a fighter because I'm black," King said. "Every fighter, including Mike Tyson, came to me after they've been screwed by other promoters."		"I never got a fighter because I'm black," King said. "Every fighter, including Mike Tyson, came to me after they've been screwed by other promoters."

Earl at 06:55, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T06:55:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:55, 31 August 2012
Line 13:		Line 13:
	King has also faced indictments on tax evasion and insurance fraud, but has never been found guilty. He has also denied allegations of fixing fights and rankings (to ensure more of his fighters get title shots).		King has also faced indictments on tax evasion and insurance fraud, but has never been found guilty. He has also denied allegations of fixing fights and rankings (to ensure more of his fighters get title shots).

	"Forget death and taxes. The only sure thing is that, win or lose, Don King is counting the money," wrote Jack Newfield, who authored King's biography, ''[[The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America]]''.		"Forget death and taxes. The only sure thing is that, win or lose, Don King is counting the money," wrote Jack Newfield, who authored King's biography, [[The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America]].

	King, who has turned at least 90 fighters into millionaires, has a different view. "When I came into boxing, when it was more out of control, no fighters got an opportunity to fight," King said. "I came in; everybody got an opportunity to make a living in America."		King, who has turned at least 90 fighters into millionaires, has a different view. "When I came into boxing, when it was more out of control, no fighters got an opportunity to fight," King said. "I came in; everybody got an opportunity to make a living in America."

Earl at 06:53, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T06:53:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 31 August 2012
Line 7:		Line 7:
	His electric hair and fast-talk have made him one of the world's most recognizable figures. Yet Don King is more than merely a circus clown for boxing. His promotional skills are largely responsible for having made the sport a financial giant, for better or worse.		His electric hair and fast-talk have made him one of the world's most recognizable figures. Yet Don King is more than merely a circus clown for boxing. His promotional skills are largely responsible for having made the sport a financial giant, for better or worse.

	Heavyweight champs [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Larry Holmes]], [[Evander Holyfield]] and [[Mike Tyson]] all worked under King at some point in their careers. King helped make them rich while doing the same for himself; his net worth is estimated at more than $100 million.		Heavyweight champs [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Larry Holmes]], [[Evander Holyfield]] and [[Mike Tyson]] all worked under King at some point in their careers. King helped make them rich while doing the same for himself: his net worth is estimated at more than $100 million.

	With his wealth have come accusations of hitting below the belt. Many fighters, most notably Tyson, have claimed King defrauded them of millions.		With his wealth have come accusations of hitting below the belt. Many fighters, most notably Tyson, have claimed King defrauded them of millions.
Line 15:		Line 15:
	"Forget death and taxes. The only sure thing is that, win or lose, Don King is counting the money," wrote Jack Newfield, who authored King's biography, [[The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America]].		"Forget death and taxes. The only sure thing is that, win or lose, Don King is counting the money," wrote Jack Newfield, who authored King's biography, [[The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America]].

	King, who has turned at least 90 fighters into millionaires, has a different view. "When I came into boxing, when it was more out of control, no fighters got an opportunity to fight," King said. "I came in; everybody got an opportunity to make a living in America."		King, who has turned at least 90 fighters into millionaires, has a different view. "When I came into boxing, when it was more out of control, no fighters got an opportunity to fight," King said. "I came in: everybody got an opportunity to make a living in America."

	The promoter of more than 500 world championship fights, King was inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] in 1997. The New York Times listed him among the 100 African-Americans who helped shape the country's history during the 20th century.		The promoter of more than 500 world championship fights, King was inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] in 1997. The New York Times listed him among the 100 African-Americans who helped shape the country's history during the 20th century.
Line 21:		Line 21:
	"He has the most brilliant business mind I have ever encountered," said Seth Abraham, former president of HBO Sports. "Don King is formidable in his sleep."		"He has the most brilliant business mind I have ever encountered," said Seth Abraham, former president of HBO Sports. "Don King is formidable in his sleep."

	The fifth of Clarence and Hattie King's six children, he was born Aug. 20, 1931 in Cleveland. When Don was 10 years old, his father died in a steel plant explosion. Hattie used the insurance money to move the family to a middle-class neighborhood. She earned a living by baking pies and selling roasted peanuts. Don and his brothers inserted a number into each bag of peanuts as a gimmick to promote sales and gambling.		The fifth of Clarence and Hattie King's six children, he was born Aug. 20, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio. When Don was 10 years old, his father died in a steel plant explosion. Hattie used the insurance money to move the family to a middle-class neighborhood. She earned a living by baking pies and selling roasted peanuts. Don and his brothers inserted a number into each bag of peanuts as a gimmick to promote sales and gambling.

	After one year of classes at Case Western Reserve University, King abandoned dreams of getting a college degree and became involved in gambling, controlling a numbers racket in Cleveland's ghetto.		After one year of classes at Case Western Reserve University, King abandoned dreams of getting a college degree and became involved in gambling, controlling a numbers racket in Cleveland's ghetto.
Line 39:		Line 39:
	In 1980, King became the first promoter to guarantee a fighter $10 million. That went to [[Sugar Ray Leonard]] in his [[Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran (1st meeting)\|first fight]] against [[Roberto Duran]].		In 1980, King became the first promoter to guarantee a fighter $10 million. That went to [[Sugar Ray Leonard]] in his [[Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran (1st meeting)\|first fight]] against [[Roberto Duran]].

	King was charged with tax evasion in 1985, but was cleared; his secretary was convicted and served four months in prison. King's reputation as a swindler swelled in the 1980s with accusations by several boxers that King ripped them off. [[Tim Witherspoon]], who became heavyweight champion under King, reportedly received an out-of-court settlement worth more than $1 million.		King was charged with tax evasion in 1985, but was cleared: his secretary was convicted and served four months in prison. King's reputation as a swindler swelled in the 1980s with accusations by several boxers that King ripped them off. [[Tim Witherspoon]], who became heavyweight champion under King, reportedly received an out-of-court settlement worth more than $1 million.

	Larry Holmes, another fighter with whom King had differences over money, said King "looks black, lives white and thinks green."		Larry Holmes, another fighter with whom King had differences over money, said King "looks black, lives white and thinks green."

	Outside the courtroom, King continued to make history. He promoted [[Julio Cesar Chavez]]'s [[Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Greg Haugen\|fight]] against [[Greg Haugen]] in Mexico City in 1993 ~~that~~ drew 132,000 fans. The next year King promoted a record 47 world championship bouts.		Outside the courtroom, King continued to make history. He promoted [[Julio Cesar Chavez]]'s [[Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Greg Haugen\|fight]] against [[Greg Haugen]] in Mexico City in 1993, which drew 132,000 fans. The next year, King promoted a record 47 world championship bouts.

	But King's biggest victories continued to come in court. In 1995, he beat a nine-count indictment on insurance fraud; Lloyd's of London claimed King had illegally collected $350,000 for a canceled Chavez fight. The trial ended in a hung jury. That same year, Newfield's no-holds barred biography was published. It painted an unflattering picture of the promoter.		But King's biggest victories continued to come in court. In 1995, he beat a nine-count indictment on insurance fraud: Lloyd's of London claimed King had illegally collected $350,000 for a canceled Chavez fight. The trial ended in a hung jury. That same year, Newfield's no-holds barred biography was published. It painted an unflattering picture of the promoter.

	King's image wasn't helped by the 1995 [[Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley\|fight]] between Tyson and [[Peter McNeeley]] - Tyson's first fight after being released from prison for raping a beauty pageant contestant. King was accused of distorting the WBC, WBA and IBF ratings to make McNeeley a top 10 contender. Tyson flattened McNeely in 89 seconds.		King's image wasn't helped by the 1995 [[Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley\|fight]] between Tyson and [[Peter McNeeley]] - Tyson's first fight after being released from prison for raping a beauty pageant contestant. King was accused of distorting the WBC, WBA and IBF ratings to make McNeeley a top 10 contender. Tyson flattened McNeely in 89 seconds.
Line 51:		Line 51:
	King later admitted McNeeley served as a glorified punching bag for Tyson. "It was a happening, an event," King said. "It was not meant to be a championship fight."		King later admitted McNeeley served as a glorified punching bag for Tyson. "It was a happening, an event," King said. "It was not meant to be a championship fight."

	Then came two unforgettable Mike Tyson-[[Evander Holyfield]] fights promoted by King. [[Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield (1st meeting)\|The first]], in November 1996, shattered all pay-per-view records for a fight - it was seen in 1.6 million homes. Holyfield won. The [[Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson (2nd meeting)\|rematch]] ~~a year~~ later was staged before a crowd of 16,331 in Las Vegas, which produced a record gate of $14.2 million. Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears.		Then came two unforgettable Mike Tyson-[[Evander Holyfield]] fights promoted by King. [[Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield (1st meeting)\|The first]], in November 1996, shattered all pay-per-view records for a fight - it was seen in 1.6 million homes. Holyfield won. The [[Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson (2nd meeting)\|rematch]], seven months later, was staged before a crowd of 16,331 in Las Vegas, which produced a record gate of $14.2 million. Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears.

	In 1998, Tyson brought a $100-million breach of trust lawsuit against King, claiming he had been ripped off by the promoter. Tyson settled out of court from $14 million in 2004.		In 1998, Tyson brought a $100-million breach of trust lawsuit against King, claiming he had been ripped off by the promoter. Tyson settled out of court from $14 million in 2004.
Line 79:		Line 79:

	*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King<br><br>		*"I'm one of the world's great survivors. I'll always survive because I've got the right combination of wit, grit and bullshit." - Don King<br><br>
	'''External ~~Link~~'''<br>		'''External Links'''<br>
	[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]<br>		[http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html Only in America by Mike Puma]<br>
	[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]		[http://books.google.com/books?id=sWYN6cETROQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=don+king&source=bl&ots=qGbY1YQV3c&sig=GuqUE0tY5slIW2wkg42UVNj--2g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h2ZAUKeYJ4ak8QSsjYDYCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=don%20king&f=false The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America by Jack Newfield]

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:53, 31 August 2012
Line 7:		Line 7:
	His electric hair and fast-talk have made him one of the world's most recognizable figures. Yet Don King is more than merely a circus clown for boxing. His promotional skills are largely responsible for having made the sport a financial giant, for better or worse.		His electric hair and fast-talk have made him one of the world's most recognizable figures. Yet Don King is more than merely a circus clown for boxing. His promotional skills are largely responsible for having made the sport a financial giant, for better or worse.

	Heavyweight champs Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson all worked under King at some point in their careers. King helped make them rich while doing the same for himself; his net worth is estimated at more than $100 million.		Heavyweight champs [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Larry Holmes]], [[Evander Holyfield]] and [[Mike Tyson]] all worked under King at some point in their careers. King helped make them rich while doing the same for himself; his net worth is estimated at more than $100 million.

	With his wealth have come accusations of hitting below the belt. Many fighters, most notably Tyson, have claimed King defrauded them of millions.		With his wealth have come accusations of hitting below the belt. Many fighters, most notably Tyson, have claimed King defrauded them of millions.
Line 13:		Line 13:
	King has also faced indictments on tax evasion and insurance fraud, but has never been found guilty. He has also denied allegations of fixing fights and rankings (to ensure more of his fighters get title shots).		King has also faced indictments on tax evasion and insurance fraud, but has never been found guilty. He has also denied allegations of fixing fights and rankings (to ensure more of his fighters get title shots).

	"Forget death and taxes. The only sure thing is that, win or lose, Don King is counting the money," wrote Jack Newfield, who authored King's biography, ''~~Only in America:~~ The Life and Crimes of Don King''.		"Forget death and taxes. The only sure thing is that, win or lose, Don King is counting the money," wrote Jack Newfield, who authored King's biography, ''[[The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America]]''.

	King, who has turned at least 90 fighters into millionaires, has a different view. "When I came into boxing, when it was more out of control, no fighters got an opportunity to fight," King said. "I came in; everybody got an opportunity to make a living in America."		King, who has turned at least 90 fighters into millionaires, has a different view. "When I came into boxing, when it was more out of control, no fighters got an opportunity to fight," King said. "I came in; everybody got an opportunity to make a living in America."

	The promoter of more than 500 world championship fights, King was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997. The New York Times listed him among the 100 African-Americans who helped shape the country's history during the 20th century.		The promoter of more than 500 world championship fights, King was inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] in 1997. The New York Times listed him among the 100 African-Americans who helped shape the country's history during the 20th century.

	"He has the most brilliant business mind I have ever encountered," said Seth Abraham, former president of HBO Sports. "Don King is formidable in his sleep."		"He has the most brilliant business mind I have ever encountered," said Seth Abraham, former president of HBO Sports. "Don King is formidable in his sleep."
Line 29:		Line 29:
	King's career as a promoter was soon born. It started in 1972, when King convinced Ali to fight an exhibition match in Cleveland to raise funds for a local hospital in financial trouble. The match grossed more than $80,000, piquing King's interest in the business of boxing.		King's career as a promoter was soon born. It started in 1972, when King convinced Ali to fight an exhibition match in Cleveland to raise funds for a local hospital in financial trouble. The match grossed more than $80,000, piquing King's interest in the business of boxing.

	Two years later King founded Don King Productions and arranged for Foreman to defend his heavyweight title against Ali in Zaire, guaranteeing the fighters an unprecedented $5 million apiece. "The Rumble in the Jungle," as it became known, started King's financial empire.		Two years later King founded Don King Productions and arranged for [[George Foreman]] to defend his heavyweight title against Ali in Zaire, guaranteeing the fighters an unprecedented $5 million apiece. [[George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali\|"The Rumble in the Jungle,"]] as it became known, started King's financial empire.

	The following year King promoted "The Thriller in Manila," the third of the three fights between Ali and Joe Frazier. Soon, King gained control of most of boxing's biggest names. As the first big-name black promoter in the business, King landed most of boxing's top African-American talent.		The following year King promoted [[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (3rd meeting)\|"The Thriller in Manila,"]] the third of the three fights between Ali and [[Joe Frazier]]. Soon, King gained control of most of boxing's biggest names. As the first big-name black promoter in the business, King landed most of boxing's top African-American talent.

	"I never got a fighter because I'm black," King said. "Every fighter, including Mike Tyson, came to me after they've been screwed by other promoters."		"I never got a fighter because I'm black," King said. "Every fighter, including Mike Tyson, came to me after they've been screwed by other promoters."
Line 37:		Line 37:
	But loyalty has never been one of King's virtues. At least once he arrived at a fight with one boxer and left with the other. Even Ali wasn't exempt from King's tactics: Ali was reportedly shortchanged $1.2 million by King for his comeback fight against Holmes in 1980. Ali sued, but King paid him $50,000 to drop the lawsuit.		But loyalty has never been one of King's virtues. At least once he arrived at a fight with one boxer and left with the other. Even Ali wasn't exempt from King's tactics: Ali was reportedly shortchanged $1.2 million by King for his comeback fight against Holmes in 1980. Ali sued, but King paid him $50,000 to drop the lawsuit.

	In ~~1981~~, King became the first promoter to guarantee a fighter $10 million. That went to Leonard in his first fight against Roberto Duran.		In 1980, King became the first promoter to guarantee a fighter $10 million. That went to [[Sugar Ray Leonard]] in his [[Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran (1st meeting)\|first fight]] against [[Roberto Duran]].

	King was charged with tax evasion in 1985, but was cleared; his secretary was convicted and served four months in prison. King's reputation as a swindler swelled in the 1980s with accusations by several boxers that King ripped them off. Tim Witherspoon, who became heavyweight champion under King, reportedly received an out-of-court settlement worth more than $1 million.		King was charged with tax evasion in 1985, but was cleared; his secretary was convicted and served four months in prison. King's reputation as a swindler swelled in the 1980s with accusations by several boxers that King ripped them off. [[Tim Witherspoon]], who became heavyweight champion under King, reportedly received an out-of-court settlement worth more than $1 million.

	Holmes was another fighter with whom King had differences over money. "[King] looks black, lives white and thinks green," Holmes said.		Holmes was another fighter with whom King had differences over money. "[King] looks black, lives white and thinks green," Holmes said.

	Outside the courtroom, King continued to make history. He promoted Julio Cesar Chavez's fight against Greg Haugen in Mexico City in 1993 that drew 132,000 fans. The next year King promoted a record 47 world championship bouts.		Outside the courtroom, King continued to make history. He promoted [[Julio Cesar Chavez]]'s [[Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Greg Haugen\|fight]] against [[Greg Haugen]] in Mexico City in 1993 that drew 132,000 fans. The next year King promoted a record 47 world championship bouts.

	But King's biggest victories continued to come in court. In 1995, he beat a nine-count indictment on insurance fraud; Lloyd's of London claimed King had illegally collected $350,000 for a canceled Chavez fight. The trial ended in a hung jury. That same year, Newfield's no-holds barred biography was published. It painted an unflattering picture of the promoter.		But King's biggest victories continued to come in court. In 1995, he beat a nine-count indictment on insurance fraud; Lloyd's of London claimed King had illegally collected $350,000 for a canceled Chavez fight. The trial ended in a hung jury. That same year, Newfield's no-holds barred biography was published. It painted an unflattering picture of the promoter.

	King's image wasn't helped by the 1995 fight between Tyson and Peter McNeeley - Tyson's first fight after being released from prison for raping a beauty pageant contestant. King was accused of distorting the WBC, WBA and IBF ratings to make McNeeley a top 10 contender. Tyson flattened McNeely in 89 seconds.		King's image wasn't helped by the 1995 [[Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley\|fight]] between Tyson and [[Peter McNeeley]] - Tyson's first fight after being released from prison for raping a beauty pageant contestant. King was accused of distorting the WBC, WBA and IBF ratings to make McNeeley a top 10 contender. Tyson flattened McNeely in 89 seconds.

	King later admitted McNeeley served as a glorified punching bag for Tyson. "It was a happening, an event," King said. "It was not meant to be a championship fight."		King later admitted McNeeley served as a glorified punching bag for Tyson. "It was a happening, an event," King said. "It was not meant to be a championship fight."

	Then came two unforgettable Tyson-Holyfield fights promoted by King. The first, in November 1996, shattered all pay-per-view records for a fight - it was seen in 1.6 million homes. Holyfield won. The rematch a year later was staged before a crowd of 16,331 in Las Vegas, which produced a record gate of $14.2 million. Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears.		Then came two unforgettable Mike Tyson-[[Evander Holyfield]] fights promoted by King. [[Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield (1st meeting)\|The first]], in November 1996, shattered all pay-per-view records for a fight - it was seen in 1.6 million homes. Holyfield won. The [[Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson (2nd meeting)\|rematch]] a year later was staged before a crowd of 16,331 in Las Vegas, which produced a record gate of $14.2 million. Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears.

	In 1998, Tyson brought a $100-million breach of trust lawsuit against King, claiming he had been ripped off by the promoter. ~~The suit is still pending~~.		In 1998, Tyson brought a $100-million breach of trust lawsuit against King, claiming he had been ripped off by the promoter. Tyson settled out of court from $14 million in 2004.

	In June 1999, the FBI searched King's office in Florida as part of an investigation to determine if the IBF fixed fights for kickbacks and sold ratings. "I don't want to have a combat with the FBI unless I'm going to be able to promote them in Madison Square Garden," said King, who emerged unscathed.		In June 1999, the FBI searched King's office in Florida as part of an investigation to determine if the IBF fixed fights for kickbacks and sold ratings. "I don't want to have a combat with the FBI unless I'm going to be able to promote them in Madison Square Garden," said King, who emerged unscathed.
Line 61:		Line 61:
	"Don King is a hip exploiter, an intelligent flesh peddler," wrote Newfield. "He knows which fighters to steal, how to exploit anyone's vice, vanity or insecurity and make a profit for himself."		"Don King is a hip exploiter, an intelligent flesh peddler," wrote Newfield. "He knows which fighters to steal, how to exploit anyone's vice, vanity or insecurity and make a profit for himself."

	Only in America		[http://www.espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/King_Don.html\|"Only in America" By Mike Puma]<br><br>
	By Mike Puma


	'''Ventures Outside of Boxing'''<br>		'''Ventures Outside of Boxing'''<br>
	King co-promoted the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which featured 55 concerts performed before 2 million fans. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.		King co-promoted the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which featured 55 concerts performed before 2 million fans. The tour reportedly grossed $75 million and set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour.