Legendary boxing promoter Don King, a towering figure in the sport for over five decades, has been hospitalized due to health concerns. According to TMZ Sports, the 93-year-old spent more than a week receiving medical treatment, including a blood transfusion, before returning home to continue his recovery.
The news of King’s health troubles was first revealed by Mike Tyson, who worked with King for nearly two decades. Tyson shared the update during an appearance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, hosted by Cam’ron and Mase.
“You know, Don is not doing well right now,” Tyson, 58, said. “He’s probably close to 100 years old, he’s not doing well.”
According to TMZ Sports, King’s condition required a 10-day stay at a local hospital, though specifics about his illness remain unclear. Despite his age and health struggles, King remains active, promoting fighters like Adrien Broner and continuing his vocal support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Tyson Reflects on His Relationship with King
Tyson and King’s relationship has long been a point of intrigue for boxing fans. At the height of Tyson’s career, King helped promote some of the biggest fights in history, including Tyson’s legendary bouts against Evander Holyfield and others.
However, their professional relationship soured, and in 1998, Tyson sued King for $100 million, accusing the promoter of cheating him out of millions. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court for $14 million.
BOXING NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Tyson, Don King Updates
Reflecting on their complicated relationship, Tyson shared a valuable lesson from his time with King during the podcast.
“I believe Don King pretty much educated me,” Tyson said about the financial fallout. “That will never happen again.”
He added, “It’s an experience — so that won’t happen again. Now you go in life with an experience, so that’s not gonna happen again. Maybe something else but that’s not gonna happen again.”
King’s Impact on Boxing History
King’s influence on the sport of boxing is undeniable. Known for his signature electrified hair and colorful personality, King promoted some of the most iconic fights in history, including the “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman and the “Thrilla in Manila” between Ali and Joe Frazier.
Over the years, King has worked with boxing legends such as Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, and Bernard Hopkins. His ability to put together blockbuster events cemented his place in the Boxing Hall of Fame, even as his business dealings were often mired in controversy.
BOXING NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Tyson, Don King Updates
Tyson’s comments echoed long-held sentiments about King’s often contentious relationships with fighters. Tyson, along with other boxing legends like Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Terry Norris, and even Muhammad Ali, sued King over financial disputes.
“He did more bad to black fighters than any white promoter ever in the history of boxing,” Tyson once said of his former promoter.
Despite his polarizing reputation, King’s name remains synonymous with boxing greatness, and his impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
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