Don King to Announce Plans for Boxing Event

In Chengdu, China, during 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing

Proceeds Pledged to Rebuild City after Devastating Earthquake

BEIJING, China (Aug. 12, 2008)—Legendary promoter Don King arrived in Beijing, China, today (Tuesday) and will be holding a press conference here on Wednesday (Aug. 13) where he will announce his plans to promote a boxing event in Chengdu, China. The boxing card will be staged in November and is planned to be presented at the Chengdu National Stadium.

After the Beijing press conference, the China Boxing Association has invited King to attend Olympic boxing.

King and the Chinese government pledged to donate part of the proceeds of the boxing event to help rebuild Chengdu, which was devastated by an earthquake in May. King will visit Chengdu and host a press conference there with the city’s Mayor Ge Lin on Thursday (Aug. 15).

King has been to China before. He promoted in Beijing what was to have been the third meeting between then World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz and former four-time heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield on Aug. 5, 2001.

The fight—with King and both fighters in Beijing preparing for the match—was postponed just nine days prior to the event after John Ruiz sustained a neck injury that forced him to withdraw.

King’s presence in China drew positive attention to the country, especially in the sports world, which was appreciated by the Chinese as officials were vying to become the host of the 2008 Olympic Games at the time. King was particularly outspoken in his support of China’s Olympic bid.