Legendary Boxing Figure on Deathbed? Insider Reveals Facts Surrounding Hospitalization

Boxing Insider Rick Glaser shared an update on Don King. The legendary promoter reportedly underwent a hospital stay that lasted over a week. The news caught on and sparked rumors. Last month, on August 20, the legendary promoter turned 93. The International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee (class of 1997) had largely been out of the news. But early this June, with Adrien Broner starring in the headline fight, he returned with a show in Florida.

Alongside Bob Arum, Don King has been one of the most prominent figures of the sport. There might be very few who could match his skills in bringing out some of the greatest bouts of the era. From Muhammad Ali and George Foreman to his long association with Mike Tyson, with his well-recognizable hairdo, Don King hobnobbed with the high and mighty across the arenas. It must have been a grave matter of concern for the diehards upon hearing about the medical scare that had affected King. However, Glaser’s fresh tweet might help alleviate those fears.

Reassuring update

“Contrary to rumors floating around, #DonKing is not on his deathbed,” wrote the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYBHOF) inductee. The well-known matchmaker mentioned that Don King’s stay at the hospital lasted for about ten days. Nevertheless, it seems, he had been discharged and reached home, where he is on the mend and feeling upbeat.

Glaser closed his message: “Don sends his best to all #Boxing fans.” A few fans joined in praying for King’s fast and full recovery. According to a TMZ piece, while speaking on the podcast, ‘It Is What It Is,” Mike Tyson had initially shed some light on the development.

Given their past, when asked about his current terms with Don King, the former heavyweight champion said, “You know, Don is not doing well right now. He’s probably close to 100 years old; he’s not doing well.” In his long career, Don King promoted some of the best-known fights in boxing history. ‘The Thrilla in Manila’ and ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ are two of King’s greatest contributions to the sport.

Don King and Mike Tyson: From a High Point to Resentment

But it was the team-up with ‘Iron’ Mike that introduced his name to a wider audience, including casual followers. However, from an all-high, the relationship sadly descended into profound acrimony. Reportedly, alleging that the promoter withheld large sums of money from him for over a period of more than ten years, Mike Tyson filed a $100 million lawsuit against King.

Subsequent reports reveal that the matter came to a settlement out of the courtroom, with Tyson receiving around $14 million. Despite the bitterness of the experience, the youngest heavyweight champion credited Don King for the invaluable lessons on boxing business. “I believe Don King pretty much educated me,” said Mike Tyson, further adding, “That will never happen again. It’s an experience, so that won’t happen again.”

Controversies apart, Don King’s influence on the sport remains an indelible part of history. Many fans wish him many more years of good health and well-being.

You may also join and share best wishes for a swift recovery with Don King.