Were it not for Don King, Evander Holyfield would still have two ears. We’d never have witnessed the "Rumble in the Jungle" or the "Thrilla in Manila." If King were in his mid '80s prime, Mayweather v. Pacquiao would happen tonight in Madison Square Garden if he wanted it to.
That said, he had the ruthlessness of Pablo Escobar and the ethics of Bernie Madoff. He represented boxing greats like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes and—later—was sued by all of them. He's beaten a body, skated on multiple indictments, and was pardoned by a Ohio governor. Today the infamous promoter celebrates his 81st birthday which is why we're counting down a History of Don King's Grimiest Moments.