Boxing Promoter Don King Faces $3 Billion Fraud and Defamation Lawsuit

Don King, the flamboyant and controversial boxing promoter known for his iconic hairstyle and larger-than-life personality, is now at the center of a monumental $3 billion lawsuit. The suit, filed by BYD Sports and its CEO, Cecil Miller, in the Southern District of New York, accuses King of fraud, defamation, breach of contract, and other charges.

A Legendary Career Marked by Controversy

Don King has long been a defining figure in the world of professional boxing. Known for organizing some of the sport’s most historic bouts, King played a pivotal role in legendary events like the "Rumble in the Jungle," featuring Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, and the "Thrilla in Manila," pitting Ali against Joe Frazier. He also promoted several of Mike Tyson’s landmark fights, including Tyson’s 1986 victory over Trevor Berbick, which made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old.

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However, King’s career has often been mired in controversy, and the latest lawsuit only adds to his tumultuous legacy.

The Rumble in the Jungle 2 Lawsuit

The current legal battle stems from a failed attempt to organize a 50th-anniversary event for the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle." The proposed event, dubbed "Rumble in the Jungle 50th Anniversary: The Freedom Belt," was intended to celebrate the iconic 1974 fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, staged in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).

According to the lawsuit, Don King Productions (DKP) allegedly took actions to deliberately sabotage the event during its final planning stages. BYD Sports and its CEO claim that King’s cease-and-desist letter to the Nigerian government and other stakeholders falsely asserted that BYD Sports had no authorization to organize the event.

The letter, issued by King’s representatives at The Lewis Law Firm, read:

"My clients have received information that you are falsely representing to the Nigerian Government and others that DK/DKP has authorized you to stage 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 granted you permission to solicit, discuss, negotiate, or arrange this event or any event under the guise of being affiliated with DK or DKP."

Impact on the Boxing World

The lawsuit’s implications go beyond the legal proceedings. BYD Sports’ attorney, Anthony J.M. Jones, expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity:

"It’s confounding when you look at how many people were working on this. This is just a sad day for the sport. We are now in 2025, and there will never be a chance to do a 50th anniversary of a fight between Foreman and Ali—and to do it in Africa."

A Legacy in Question

As the legal battle unfolds, Don King’s legacy in boxing continues to be debated. While he remains one of the most influential promoters in sports history, controversies like this tarnish his reputation.

Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes case and its impact on the world of boxing.