Don King's net worth: How much is the famous American boxing promoter worth right now?

Don King's net worth: How much is the famous American boxing promoter worth right now?

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at September 19, 2023 at 10:47 AM

Don King's net worth is not your regular number; it is quite a high figure, reflecting his hard work and the many ups and downs of his legendary career as a boxing promoter. As one delves into the tale of his fortune, one discovers a saga embroidered within the sweat and blood of epic fights, intricate deals, and indomitable ambition.

How much is Don King worth?
Don King visits "Making Money with Charles Payne" at Fox Business Network Studios on March 16, 2018, in New York City. Photo: Mireya Acierto (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Don King, the man whose name reverberates like the ding of a boxing bell, is more than just a promoter; he is an enigma wrapped in the flamboyant garb of American Dream success and controversy. So, let us dive into the world of Don's net worth as of 2023 and unravel the tale of his earnings, influence, and how his golden touch has turned fighters into champions and bouts into iconic spectacles.

Profile summary

Name

Don King

Place of birth

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Date of birth

August 20, 1931

Age

92 years (as of September 2023)

Profession

Boxing promoter

Nationality

American

Years active

1954–present

Height

Approximately 6 feet 2 inches

Ethnicity

African-American

Marital status

Widower

Wife

Henrietta King (deceased)

Children

Deborah, Carl, Eric

Net worth

Estimated at around $150 million as of 2023

Is Don King still alive?

Yes, and not just in the physical sense but also in the annals of boxing history. His fingerprints are all over the sport's most significant moments.

How old is Don King?

How much did Don King make off Mike Tyson?
Boxing promoter Don King is seen speaking while promoting a boxing match between Mike Tyson and Peter McNeeley circa 1995 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

Born on August 20, 1931, Don is 92 years old as of 2023. With a life as colourful as his famous hairstyles, King's age is not just a testament to his longevity but also to a career that has weathered storms and controversies to leave an indelible mark on the world of boxing.

How long has Don King been an active boxing promoter?

Don has been instrumental in arranging some of the sport's most historic bouts for over five decades, from the "Thrilla in Manila" to Mike Tyson's epochal matches. His unmatched influence, promotional flair, and dramatic showmanship have made him a household name beyond the boxing ring.

What is Don King's net worth?

According to some reports, Don King's net worth in 2023 is estimated to be around $150 million. If you ever find yourself flipping through Forbes, you might not find his current net worth in Forbes specifics, but make no mistake, this man is wealthy.

He has navigated through controversies, legal battles, and Senate investigations while amassing an empire built on the sweat and punches of the boxing legends he has promoted. Promoter Don King's net worth is a testament to his savvy business acumen and indomitable spirit.

How much did Don King make off Mike Tyson?

In the late '80s and '90s, the King-Tyson alliance was a financial juggernaut. Tyson, who once labelled Don as "ruthless" and "greedy," claimed that the promoter cheated him out of millions over a decade.

Estimates suggest Don made around $100 million from his business engagements with Tyson. In 2004, after Tyson sued King, the two reached a settlement of $14 million. Don made a fortune off Mike Tyson, but not without leaving a trail of legal disputes and out-of-court settlements in the wake.

Who is Don King's wife?

How much is Don King worth?
Don King and Henrietta King attend an event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on November 15, 1977. Photo: Guy DeLort
Source: Getty Images

While amassing his fortune and contributing to his career earnings, Don was married to Henrietta, who died in 2010 at the age of 87. Don King's wife was steadfast in his life, grounding him through the rollercoaster of ups and downs.

Together, they had one biological daughter, Debbie, a son, Eric, and an adopted son, Carl. He also has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Even in a life filled with flashbulbs and headlines, Don valued family, and it was reflected in his personal life.

The controversial side of wealth

Don King's career earnings have not been without their fair share of controversies. He has been sued by several boxers, including Muhammad Ali and Tim Witherspoon, for underpayment and fraudulent practices.

These lawsuits have often led to out-of-court settlements, slightly denting what is the net worth of Don. Yet, he has managed to navigate these rocky waters with his financial empire mostly intact.

The lasting legacy

Don King's net worth may just be a number, but his influence is immeasurable. As a promoter, his name will forever be entangled with the greats of boxing history, while his financial triumphs and tribulations have become the stuff of American lore.

The boxing promoter's financial worth, therefore, is not just about the money. However, it is about the incredible, often poetic, and ever-controversial life of a man who showed that in America, anything is possible.

As you close this chapter, you might find yourself pondering not just about Don King's net worth but also about the indelible impact he has left on the sport of boxing. Like him or loathe him, he remains an unforgettable character in the annals of sports history. And yes, in case you were still wondering, Don King is very much alive and kicking.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.