Don King Faces $3 Billion Lawsuit Over Failed “Rumble in the Jungle” 50th Anniversary Event
Don King, the legendary boxing promoter known for working with icons like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and George Foreman, is at the center of a $3 billion civil lawsuit stemming from a failed attempt to revive the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” event to mark its 50th anniversary.
The Lawsuit: Fraud, Defamation, and Breach of Contract
The lawsuit was filed by BYD Sports and its CEO, Cecil Miller, in the Southern District of New York. The legal complaint accuses King, his production company Don King Productions, and others of fraud, defamation, breach of contract, and other claims. The controversy revolves around King’s alleged efforts to halt the anniversary event before it could take place.
The proposed event, set to coincide with the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria, was to feature a marquee match between boxing stars “Sugar” Shane Mosley and Victor Ortiz. However, a cease-and-desist letter from King derailed the plans.
King’s Cease-and-Desist Letter
In the letter, King asserted that Miller was not authorized to organize the event, claiming all of Miller’s efforts were fraudulent.
“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),’” the letter states. “This, as you well know, is not true.”
Missed Opportunity for a Historic Celebration
The lawsuit paints a picture of a promising collaboration gone awry. According to Miller’s attorney, Anthony J.M. Jones, the event had reached its final stages before King’s actions halted it.
“This is just a sad day for the sport,” Jones said. “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.”
The Backstory: A Broken Partnership
The lawsuit alleges that King and Miller were once on good terms, with King sharing his desire to rebuild his reputation following the death of his wife in 2010. The two agreed to collaborate on the “Rumble in the Jungle 2,” a tribute to the historic 1974 fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Miller claims that King verbally agreed to the project, only to later go silent. Adding to the controversy, the lawsuit alleges that King did not own the rights to the “Rumble in the Jungle” name, which was a critical element of the proposed event.
Miller’s Demands
Miller is seeking $2.4 million in prospective damages based on the amount of money the historic fight brought in 51 years ago, a written apology from King, and compensation for the lost opportunity to celebrate one of boxing’s most historic moments.
The failed event represents more than just a missed business opportunity—it poignantly reminds us of the enduring legacy of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s 1974 showdown, a cultural milestone that united millions around the world.
King, who remains a controversial figure in boxing, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. The case continues to unfold, potentially impacting his storied career and the sport he helped shape.
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