Don King Aims for Boxing Match in North Korea
The hallways of the Don King Productions office in South Florida are lined with photographs of him posing with world leaders, celebrities and athletes. There are old boxing posters and newspaper articles framed and hanging on the walls.
It feels more like a museum than an office building. For decades, King has appeared alongside boxing greats including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield — promoting legendary matchups that have catapulted many boxers into lifelong fame.
Boxing has always been more than a sport to King, who contemplates the photos.
“Gen. David Petraeus, that was my friend,” said King, pointing to a photo signed by the former Army commander, now CIA director. “I went to Iraq with him.”
On the other side of the room is a picture of King with a young Michael Jackson, who “told me that music is the ribbon that ties humanity together,” King recalled. “And I added to that boxing is a catalyst that brings humanity together to be tied.”
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A framed letter from former President George W. Bush hangs on the wall, as does his picture with Bush and one with Bill Clinton.
“I am not a Democrat and I am not a Republican,” explained King. “I’m a ‘Republicrat’ and that means that I’m for the American people first and the party second.”