Don King, the iconic promoter, has made the phrase "Only in America" his own, living it, breathing it, and believing it to be an integral part of his very being. According to King himself, "Only in America can a Don King happen," emphasizing his unwavering love for the country and the notion that his remarkable accomplishments could not have been achieved anywhere else.
Born and raised in the harsh realities of Cleveland's hard-core ghetto, King defied the odds to become the world's greatest promoter, his unique hairstyle, infectious smile, booming laughter, and inimitable vocabulary making him a universally recognizable figure. He has graced the covers of esteemed publications such as Time, Sports Illustrated, Ebony, and Jet, as well as appearing in movies, television shows, and numerous talk shows.
Don King's life has been dedicated to staging the best in world-championship boxing, while also giving back to the people. His promotions have entertained billions worldwide, providing some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in the sports and entertainment world. Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997, King was the only boxing promoter named to Sports Illustrated's list of the "40 Most Influential Sports Figures of the Past 40 Years." In 1998, as part of New York City's centennial celebration, King was recognized by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture as one of the city's 100 top black achievers of the century, joining esteemed company including Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall, musician Duke Ellington, and poet Maya Angelou.
