Mark Kram’s 1975 Sports Illustrated profile catches Don King as he is changing the scale and personality of fight promotion. His relationship with Ali and manager Herbert Muhammad gives him access to boxing’s biggest attraction. Financing, satellite distribution and closed-circuit exhibitors are as important to the story as the fighters.
Las Vegas appears through King’s promotion of Ali against Ron Lyle. Kram also follows the international business behind Zaire and Manila; those fights took place overseas. The piece follows King’s salesmanship, public image and dealings with rivals, including Bob Arum.
Boxing's new Barnum: 'There ain't no others' like Don King
Sports Illustrated
Read at Sports Illustrated (opens in a new tab)SI republished the original 1975 magazine story in 2015. Its language and viewpoints reflect that period.
Original summary by ArenaLV. The source article, photographs and audio remain with their publisher. Access conditions may vary.