Donald “Don” King, an American boxing promoter, is thought to be worth $150 million. Don King, a boxing promoter, began his career in 1972 while working as a fundraiser for a troubled Cleveland hospital. He invited George Foreman and Muhammad Ali to a charity event, and then persuaded them to allow him to promote their 1974 heavyweight championship match. Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, and other notable boxing figures are among those King has promoted. He is remembered for his marketing of “The Rumble in the Jungle” and “The Thrilla in Manila,” two of the greatest boxing matches ever. Mike Tyson was his biggest accomplishment. King promoted the notorious 1997 fight between Tyson and Evander Holyfield, which brought about $110 million. A year later, Tyson sued King for $100 million, alleging that King had defrauded him of earnings. The case was settled for $14 million. He continues to encourage his athletes by wearing his distinctive hairdo and cheering them on while holding an American flag.
STATISTICS
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Source of Wealth:
Boxing Promotion
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Age:
89
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Birth Place:
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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Height:
6′ 2″ (1.88 m)
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Marital Status:
Widowed (Henrietta King)
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Full Name:
Donald King
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Nationality:
United States
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Date of Birth:
August 20, 1931
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Ethnicity:
African-American
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Occupation:
Boxing promoter
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Education:
Drop Out, Kent State University
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Children:
3 (Debbie, Carl, Eric)
EARNINGS & FINANCIAL DATA
Project Earnings 2005Earnings from top three fights that year
$66,000,000
Ticket Sales 2005Ticket sales in top three fights that year
$13,000,000
Lawsuit Settlement 2004Settlement fee with Mike Tyson
$14,000,000
Lawsuit Settlement 2003Settlement fee with Terry Norris
$7,500,000
Ticket Sales 1996Ticket sales in top three fights that year
$31,000,000
Event 1996Earnings from three fights that year
$168,000,000
Lawsuit Settlement 1980Settlement fee with Tim Witherspoon
$1,000,000
