The Life and Crimes of Don King: Boxing's Most Notorious Promoter

Don King is one of the most well-known and controversial figures in the history of boxing. He has promoted some of the biggest fights in history, including the "Thrilla in Manila" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier and the "Rumble in the Jungle" between Ali and George Foreman. King has also been accused of a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion, and racketeering.

King was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1931. He started out as a numbers runner and then moved into promoting boxing matches. In 1972, he promoted the "Thrilla in Manila," which is considered one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. King's career continued to soar in the 1980s, as he promoted a number of high-profile fights, including the "Rumble in the Jungle" and the "Hagler-Hearns" fight.

The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America

by Jack Newfield

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3266 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	348 pages
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However, King's career has also been marred by controversy. He has been accused of a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion, and racketeering. In 1984, he was convicted of manslaughter in the death of a man named Sam Garrett. King was sentenced to five years in prison, but he was released after serving only three years.

King has also been accused of financial improprieties. In 1995, he was sued by Mike Tyson for $100 million. Tyson alleged that King had cheated him out of millions of dollars. The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Despite the controversies, King remains a powerful figure in the boxing world. He continues to promote fights and is still considered one of the most successful promoters in history.

King's Early Life and Career

King was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 20, 1931. He was the son of a Methodist minister and a schoolteacher. King's father died when he was young, and his mother was forced to raise him on her own. King dropped out of high school and began working as a numbers runner. He quickly rose through the ranks of the numbers racket and eventually became one of the biggest numbers bosses in Cleveland.

In 1954, King was arrested for murder. He was accused of killing a man named Sam Garrett. King claimed that he had acted in self-defense, but he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. King served only three years of his sentence and was released in 1959.

After his release from prison, King returned to Cleveland and began promoting boxing matches. He quickly established himself as one of the most successful promoters in the city. In 1972, he promoted the "Thrilla in Manila," which is considered one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. The fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier was a brutal affair, and King's promotion of the fight helped to make it one of the most memorable events in boxing history.

King's Controversial Career

King's career has been marked by controversy. He has been accused of a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion, and racketeering. In 1984, he was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Sam Garrett. King was sentenced to five years in prison, but he was released after serving only three years.

King has also been accused of financial improprieties. In 1995, he was sued by Mike Tyson for $100 million. Tyson alleged that King had cheated him out of millions of dollars. The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Despite the controversies, King remains a powerful figure in the boxing world. He continues to promote fights and is still considered one of the most successful promoters in history.

King's Legacy

King's legacy is a mixed one. He is undoubtedly one of the most successful boxing promoters in history. He has promoted some of the biggest fights in history and has helped to make boxing a worldwide phenomenon. However, King's career has also been marred by controversy. He has been accused of a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion, and racketeering.

It is difficult to say definitively whether King is a good or bad person. He has certainly done some good things for the sport of boxing, but he has also been involved in some very unsavory activities. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they feel about Don King.

Don King is one of the most well-known and controversial figures in the history of boxing. He has promoted some of the biggest fights in history, including the "Thrilla in Manila" and the "Rumble in the Jungle." King has also been accused of a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion, and racketeering. Despite the controversies, King remains a powerful figure in the boxing world. He continues to promote fights and is still considered one of the most successful promoters in history.

The Life and Crimes of Don King: The Shame of Boxing in America

by Jack Newfield

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3266 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	348 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE