Boxing promoter Don King faces $3 billion fraud and defamation lawsuit

On By Littum

Don King is the subject of a massive fraud and defamation lawsuit seeking $3 million in damages.

Perhaps the most legendary and controversial promoter of all time, King was best known for his personality, hairstyle and for pulling off some of the biggest fights in professional boxing history.

King played a central role in organizing the iconic Rumble In The Jungle fight that featured Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman, the Thrill in Manila that featured Ali vs Joe Frazier, and many of Mike Tyson’s most notable fights, including his fight against Trevor Berbick in 1986, which made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old.

Dong King Mike Tyson

IMAGO / Newscom / Servicio Universal Noticias

Now King is being sued in a civil suit over a failed attempt to revive him Rumble in the Jungle 2. The suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, was brought by BYD Sports and its CEO, Cecil Miller, and alleges fraud, defamation, breach of contract and more. You can follow the case here.

In summary, the suit alleges that Don King Productions’ actions purposefully thwarted a 50th anniversary event, Rumble in the Jungle 2from happening in the final stages of planning. King had sent a cease-and-desist letter saying:

My clients have received information that you are misrepresenting to the Nigerian government and others that DK/DKP has authorized you to hold an event known as “Rumble In The Jungle 50th Anniversary/The Freedom Belt (RJ50/Freedom Belt )”, this, as you well know, is not true. DK/DKP does not and has not authorized you to solicit, discuss, negotiate or arrange this event or any event under the guidance of being affiliated with DK or DKP.

– Lewis Law Firm, Inc.

Submitted by Don King Productions on Friday, November 1, 2024

Miller’s lawyer commented on the case and said Assets:

It’s mind boggling when you look at how many people worked on this… This is just a sad day for the sport… We are now in 2025 and there will never be a chance to make a 50 -year anniversary of a fight between Foreman and Ali – and to do it in Africa.

– Attorney Anthony JM Jones

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