Call him flamboyant, egotistical, arrogant, a manipulator, self-centered, controversial love him or hate him Don King is without a doubt boxing greatest promoter in the history of boxing. Now after many viewings of Don King: Only In America I have come to realize and respect not only the accomplishments of Don King, but also his life in general. The 1997 HBO Original Movie portrayed in biography style as told through mostly the viewpoints of Don King himself, and by the way I must just mention Ving Rhames was great in his portrayal of King Ving's looks and voice fit that of the real Don King perfect it's like they are actual twins. The film begins in 1950's in Cleveland, Ohio when King was a street ghetto organized crime member who at the time was way down the food chain and generally got the short end of the deal in many ways. King was then incarcerated for four years for manslaughter when he brutally beat to death a man who owed him a debt. It was while in prison King got the idea of being a boxing promoter when he heard the radio broadcast of Ali-Frazier in March of 1971. Upon his release from prison and with help of good friend and club singer Mr.Price and his stepson Carl a benefit was organized when Muhammad Ali was invited to a children's hospital in Cleveland therefore money was raised to help start King's career as serious boxing promoter. Perhaps in boxing's most historical fight Ali vs. Foreman "The Rumble In Jungle" Don King showed his brilliance and smarts by having both Ali and Foreman to both sign for the same amount of money in the meantime neither would get the promised amount of money they were told. That fight turned out to be one of boxing's most successful thank god for Don King. King later parted ways with Foreman then later Ali. As King made Ali pay for his greediness King said it best there's more to life than Allah. King later promoted perhaps the best and most marketable fighter of our time the terrorizing Mike Tyson, now you talk about a good money investment. Don King is the most intelligent individual of our time you name it he can outsmart the FBI, IRS, state athletic commissions hey and I'm proud because we know how corrupt those authority agencies have come thank god for Don King! I'm proud to say Don King is a hero of mine because he fought for what he believed in. Be thankful folks for what he has done for the sport of boxing with his crusading for the sport. This movie is a must see for any boxing fan, I have it recorded and view it often. Finally Don King said it best it's all about entertainment heroes and villain I agree. Who can blame Don for his love of money. Like a respected friend told me money is what the world has come to sadly but surely. So admire Don King. Remember Money! Money! Money!
Review of Don King: Only in America
Don King: Only in America
(1997 TV Movie)
Money! Money! Money! Only In America Baby! Oh How True.
16 September 2000