A $3 billion lawsuit has been filed against boxing promoter Don King in a federal court in New York, accusing him of sabotaging plans for a high-profile boxing event in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” fight. The lawsuit alleges that King used his influence to defraud and defame event organizers, severely damaging what was intended to be a grand celebration of boxing history.
The event, initially scheduled for 2024 during the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria, aimed to revive the spirit of the historic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” a clash between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman that captured the world’s imagination. But instead of a magnificent anniversary event, organizers were met with a devastating setback when King sent a cease-and-desist letter to everyone involved in the production weeks before the event was set to launch.
The lawsuit, filed by sports manager Cecil Miller, accuses King of deliberately obstructing the event after Miller and King had previously collaborated on several boxing promotions. Miller claims that King had originally blessed the idea, even offering support for the event’s planning and promotion.
“This lawsuit seeks justice for the betrayal of trust, the damage to my career, and the loss to Africa and boxing fans worldwide,” Miller said in a statement following the filing.
Unraveling the Story Behind the Legal Battle
The ill-fated event was to feature a match between well-known boxers “Sugar” Shane Mosley and Victor Ortiz in a spectacle that would commemorate Ali’s famous victory over Foreman in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was to be a major event for the continent, combining sports and culture as part of Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global stage.
However, a storm brewed as King allegedly started pulling away from the project at a crucial time. The lawsuit claims that Miller and King had been working together since 2021 to promote various boxing events, including a deal involving the now-deceased boxer Alonzo Butler. During their partnership, King reportedly shared plans for an African commemoration of the 1974 fight, with Miller agreeing to handle much of the logistics. According to Miller, King even agreed to participate by compiling the fight card and providing expertise.
However, in the final months before the event, King allegedly grew silent, leaving Miller to finalize sponsorship deals, arrange for visas, and secure logistical support in Africa.
The Cease-and-Desist Letter That Shattered Hopes
On October 28, 2024, just weeks before the planned event, King allegedly sent the cease-and-desist letter, distancing himself from the project and declaring that he had not authorized Miller to organize the event. This move sent shockwaves through the event’s planning team, which had invested considerable time and resources in bringing the event to life.
Miller, however, insists that King’s letter was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the event. “DKP [Don King Productions] claimed they had no knowledge of the event, yet, surprisingly, they knew exactly whom to send their cease and desist to in the Nigerian government,” Miller said in his lawsuit. “They targeted contacts I had personally provided. It was a premeditated move to derail the event.”
King’s Past and the Lawsuit’s Financial Fallout
The lawsuit seeks a staggering $3 billion in damages. Of that amount, $600 million is claimed for lost revenue from the event itself, while an additional $2.4 billion is sought for the potential revenue that was never realized. The calculation of the damages appears to be based on the global impact of the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” bout, which reached an estimated 1 billion viewers worldwide and made boxing history.
This legal battle is not the first time Don King has been embroiled in lawsuits with those who worked with him. In 1998, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson filed a $100 million lawsuit against King, accusing him of defrauding him out of millions of dollars. Tyson’s case, which ultimately resulted in a settlement, highlighted King’s long-standing reputation for exploiting boxers and partners alike.
“It’s sad for boxing. It’s sad for Africa. It’s just unfortunate,” said Anthony J.M. Jones, the New York City-based entertainment lawyer representing Miller. “A 50th anniversary special should have been a monumental occasion. A lot of people, boxers, and fans from across Africa and the U.S. put in a lot of effort into this event, and it was tragically swept away by Mr. King’s actions.”
Don King’s Response
King’s representatives have yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit, and Don King Productions Inc. did not provide a comment on the matter when contacted. The silence from King’s camp contrasts with the seriousness of the accusations levied against him.
If the lawsuit is successful, it would mark a dramatic financial blow to the 93-year-old promoter, whose career has been marked by both huge successes and significant controversies. King’s reputation has long been tainted by allegations of fraud, exploitation, and unethical business practices in the boxing world.
The Bigger Picture: A Lost Opportunity for Africa
Miller’s lawsuit represents more than just a legal dispute over a boxing event gone wrong—it highlights the broader missed opportunity for African countries to use sport as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural prominence. The planned 2024 event was expected to bring attention to the African continent’s potential as a hub for major sporting events and tourism.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival, set to take place in Nigeria, was seen as the perfect backdrop for such an event. With its vibrant economy and strategic positioning within Africa, Nigeria had hoped to showcase both its rich cultural history and its growing influence in global sports and business.
“This could have been a powerful moment for Africa’s global recognition in sports,” said Jones. “Instead, it’s turned into a bitter legal battle, and fans are left with nothing.”
