A $3 billion lawsuit has been filed against legendary boxing promoter Don King by BYD Sports and BYD Management. The suit alleges that King falsely denied his involvement in planning a “Rumble in the Jungle 2” event meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic 1974 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. BYD accuses King of defamation, fraud, and interfering with their plans after what they describe as over a year of discussions and preparations for the event. King’s company, Don King Productions (DKP), later issued a cease-and-desist letter, publicly denying any connection to the proposed anniversary match.
The complaint, filed in federal court, details how BYD CEO Cecil Miller claims to have engaged with King since 2021 on developing the event. Miller alleges that he worked on multiple aspects of the project, including proposing Nigeria as a venue and submitting a formal proposal in August 2023. Although DKP acknowledged receipt of the proposal, Miller contends that King became unresponsive and later misrepresented his ownership of the trademark for the original “Rumble in the Jungle.” The lawsuit also highlights internal tensions, with Miller recalling a conversation where King disparaged his daughter’s involvement in a similar event, assuring Miller of his own commitment to the BYD project.
The conflict came to a head in November 2023 when DKP posted a cease-and-desist letter on social media accusing BYD of misrepresenting their authority to organize “Rumble in the Jungle 2.” This public denial coincided with BYD’s plans to launch ticket sales for the event, effectively halting their progress. Miller asserts that King had previously expressed support for the anniversary match, including appearing in a video where King allegedly gave his “blessing.” However, the video cited by BYD does not mention the event specifically, leaving the authenticity of King’s endorsement in question.
Complications in the lawsuit have arisen due to procedural issues in court filings. The judge overseeing the case found that BYD failed to meet jurisdictional requirements by not properly identifying the citizenship of its members. An amended complaint was filed but did not resolve the issue, leading the judge to issue a final deadline of January 17, 2025, for compliance. If BYD fails to address this requirement, the case risks dismissal, further jeopardizing the plaintiffs’ ability to pursue their claims against King and DKP.
This lawsuit highlights longstanding disputes over intellectual property and the business dealings associated with iconic events. The original “Rumble in the Jungle” remains one of the most celebrated moments in sports history, cementing King’s reputation as a master promoter. However, the legal and procedural hurdles surrounding the proposed anniversary event raise questions about ownership, communication, and the legacy of such historic achievements. Both the allegations against King and his public denial underscore the challenges in organizing and securing rights to celebrate monumental milestones in sports history.
