Don King Net Worth: Donald “Don” King is a legendary figure in the world of boxing, known for his flamboyant personality and significant contributions to the sport as a promoter. His career is marked by promoting some of the biggest boxing matches in history, working with champions like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and George Foreman. However, his life has also been filled with controversy. In this biography, we’ll delve into Don King’s net worth, personal life, age, height, family, career, and other facets of his fascinating journey.

Don King Net Worth

Full Name: Donald King
Date of Birth: August 20, 1931
Age: 93 years old (as of 2024)
Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Caste: Not applicable (Don King is an African-American)
Religion: Christian

Born in the gritty neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, Don King grew up during the Great Depression, experiencing hardship from a young age. His father died when he was 10 years old, and this tragedy forced his family to struggle financially. King managed to overcome these difficulties and would later rise to extraordinary heights. Although King faced a tough childhood, he was a sharp student, attending John Adams High School in Cleveland.

Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance

Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
Weight: Approximately 120 kg (265 lbs)
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: White (formerly black, with his iconic upright hairstyle)

Don King’s tall, imposing frame and signature hairstyle became iconic symbols in the world of boxing. His unique appearance helped him stand out in the public eye, and his flamboyant personality only added to his magnetic presence.

Early Career and Criminal Background

Before King entered the world of boxing, he had a controversial past. He ran an illegal gambling operation in Cleveland, which brought him into conflict with the law. King was charged with manslaughter twice. In 1954, he killed a man who tried to rob one of his gambling operations; this was ruled a justifiable homicide. However, in 1967, King stomped a man to death in a fight over $600. He was convicted of second-degree murder but the charges were later reduced to manslaughter, and he served four years in prison.

Entry into Boxing

After his release from prison, Don King turned his attention to the boxing world. In 1972, he first entered the scene by convincing Muhammad Ali to fight in a charity exhibition match in Cleveland. This led to his first major event in 1974, the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight between Ali and George Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

This event cemented King’s reputation as a boxing promoter who could deliver monumental fights. It also demonstrated his ability to orchestrate globally significant events, a skill that would be key to his success in the years to come.

Rise to Prominence in Boxing

Don King became the go-to promoter for boxing’s most significant fights throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He was behind some of the most legendary events in boxing history, including the “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975, as well as multiple fights for boxers like Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield.

King’s ability to generate hype, negotiate massive deals, and create drama both in and out of the ring made him one of the most influential figures in boxing. He pioneered pay-per-view (PPV) events and brought massive financial gains to both himself and his fighters.

Profession: Boxing Promoter

Don King’s Net Worth

Net Worth: Approximately $150 million (as of 2024)

Don King amassed a considerable fortune during his career. His biggest earnings came from promoting major pay-per-view events featuring boxing legends. King’s earnings often came from his promoter fees, a cut of the pay-per-view revenue, and various endorsements. Despite numerous lawsuits from former fighters who claimed he shortchanged them, King has managed to maintain a substantial fortune over the years.

King’s current net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. At his peak, he was worth much more, but legal issues and settlements with fighters have significantly reduced his overall wealth.

Controversies and Legal Battles

Don King’s career is riddled with controversies, particularly accusations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and betrayal by his fighters. Many of the boxers King promoted eventually sued him, alleging that he took advantage of them financially. Fighters like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Larry Holmes all filed lawsuits against King for various breaches of contract and financial disputes.

Tyson famously accused King of stealing millions of dollars from him during their professional relationship, calling him a “slimy, reptilian mother****.” Tyson won a lawsuit against King for $14 million.

Despite these controversies, Don King has never faced serious criminal consequences related to his boxing career, although the constant legal battles tarnished his reputation in the sport

Family and Personal Life

Spouse: Henrietta King (Deceased in 2010)
Children: 3 (Carl King, Deborah King, and Eric King)

Don King was married to Henrietta King for over 50 years until her death in 2010. They had three children together: Carl, Deborah, and Eric. Carl King has followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a boxing promoter, managing several fighters.

Family life for King has been relatively private, and despite his often larger-than-life persona in public, his personal life has not been marred by as many public scandals as his professional one.

Nicknames

Nickname: “The King”
Throughout his career, Don King has been called “The King,” not only because of his last name but also due to his domination of the boxing promotion world.

Education

Don King’s early education came from John Adams High School in Cleveland. Although King never pursued a formal college degree, he proved to be a savvy businessman with a keen understanding of human psychology and promotion. His street smarts and charisma allowed him to negotiate lucrative deals without the need for a formal education in business or law.

Achievements and Legacy

Don King is responsible for some of the biggest and most historic events in boxing history. Not only did he promote Ali vs. Foreman and Ali vs. Frazier, but he also was instrumental in promoting Mike Tyson’s early career, overseeing some of the largest grossing pay-per-view fights in boxing.

Despite his controversial reputation, Don King’s influence on the sport of boxing is undeniable. He helped elevate the sport to international prominence and introduced innovations like PPV that remain central to the sport today.

Conclusion

Don King’s life and career are a study in both success and controversy. His rise from the streets of Cleveland to becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in boxing is a story of ambition, charisma, and tenacity. Despite legal challenges and allegations from many of the fighters he promoted, Don King remains a towering figure in the history of boxing.

With a net worth of around $150 million, King’s financial success reflects the lucrative nature of the sport and his ability to negotiate some of the most significant fights in boxing history. He is an example of how a person can rise above their circumstances, though not without leaving a trail of controversy and lawsuits in their wake. His legacy will always be a topic of debate, but there’s no doubt that Don King left an indelible mark on the world of sports.