Don King is 94 years old. Let that sink in for a second. Most people at that age are strictly in the business of afternoon naps and crossword puzzles. But if you’re looking for the man who once shook up the world with Muhammad Ali, you won't find him in a traditional retirement home. Honestly, the guy is still trying to make deals. It’s wild.
As of early 2026, Don King is still technically active, though the "active" part looks a lot different than it did during the Rumble in the Jungle. He's based primarily out of South Florida, living in a world of palm trees and litigation. He isn't the kingmaker he used to be, but he refuses to let the crown go.
The Health Reality Check
People have been asking "where is Don King now" with a bit of worry lately. Back in late 2024, things got pretty dicey. Mike Tyson—yeah, the same Mike who once sued King for $100 million—actually broke the news that Don wasn't doing great. He ended up in the hospital for about ten days and needed a blood transfusion.
You’d think a 90-something-year-old would take that as a sign to pack it in. Nope. Don released a statement shortly after saying he was "fine and dandy."
📖 Related: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Fast forward to 2026, and he’s still hanging on. He moves slower, sure. The voice is a bit raspier. But the hair? Still defiant. He’s been spotted at a few smaller boxing cards in Florida, usually surrounded by a small entourage and carrying a handful of miniature flags. It's a surreal sight, seeing a living relic of the 70s still showing up to the office.
Still Promoting (Sorta)
Don King Productions hasn't gone dark. It’s just... smaller. In 2025, he was still winning purse bids for fights that most casual fans have never heard of. For instance, he spent a good chunk of the last year trying to navigate the mess surrounding a heavyweight bout between Kubrat Pulev and Michael Hunter.
It’s classic Don. He wins a bid, someone else claims a breach of contract, and suddenly there’s a $3 billion lawsuit or a flurry of press releases calling people "crooks" and "frauds." He’s currently embroiled in a $5.35 million foreclosure lawsuit over his headquarters in Deerfield Beach.
👉 See also: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
- The Venue: His old-school headquarters in Florida.
- The Problem: Defaulting on loans with a 15% interest rate.
- The Mood: Business as usual, which for Don, means chaos.
He’s basically a one-man show now. The big TV networks like HBO and Showtime are either gone or don't take his calls. He’s been reduced to working with local casinos and smaller streaming platforms. But he’s still there. You have to respect the hustle, even if you don't respect the history.
The 2026 Perspective
Why does anyone still care? Because you can't talk about the history of sports without him. Whether it’s his recent induction into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (non-boxing category) in 2025 or his annual turkey giveaways in South Florida, the man is a fixture.
He’s a bridge to an era that doesn't exist anymore. He comes from a time when a single promoter could own the entire sport. Nowadays, the "saudi money" and massive management groups like Matchroom or Top Rank have pushed him to the fringes. He's a ghost in the machine, but a ghost that still demands a seat at the table.
✨ Don't miss: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
What's Next for the King?
If you're looking for him, look toward the Florida courts or the small-time boxing rings in the South. He isn't going to retire. Guys like Don King don't do "hobbies." Their hobby is the grind.
He’s still publishing his newspaper, the Call and Post, in Cleveland. He’s still involved in political circles, though his influence there has cooled significantly. Basically, he’s living out his final act exactly how he lived the first four: loudly, controversially, and with a lot of flags.
If you want to keep up with what he's doing, your best bet is following the WBA purse bid announcements. That’s where the last of his power resides. Don’t expect a quiet exit. He’ll likely be cutting a deal for a vacant cruiserweight title right up until the very end.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the legal filings: If you want the real story of where Don King is, follow the Deerfield Beach property records. That’s where the drama is happening.
- Check the WBA rankings: He still holds contracts with several fringe contenders. If a name like Noel Mikaelian or Adrien Broner pops up, King isn't far behind.
- Visit the Hall of Fame: If you want to see the "good" side of his legacy, the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota remains the best place to understand why he mattered.