SOURCE: SUN-SENTINEL JASON STROMBERG jstromberg@tribune.com

As a world-renowned boxing promoter, Don King has seen firsthand how physical fitness has made a difference in improving people's lives.

In recognition of his efforts to keep athletes in the best possible shape before entering the ring, the Manalapan resident will be formally honored next year by the American Heart Association as Health Heavyweight Champion.

The ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Boca Raton Heart Ball at a site to be determined.

One cannot be a champion in life without a healthy heart and body, King said. I am happy to bring attention to this important and worthy cause.

Stephen Miller, senior vice president of private banking for Regions Bank and a member of the executive leadership team, said he was delighted that King accepted the award. We commend Don King for all of his accomplishments and thank him for his gracious support of the American Heart Association¹s Boca Raton Heart Ball, Miller said. King¹s presence and outgoing personality will certainly add a spark to our event.

King called the Boca Raton Heart Ball one of south county¹s premier social events and acknowledged the importance of the American Heart Association.

Founded in 1924, the AHA is the nation¹s oldest and largest voluntary health organization. It is dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. During its 2007-08 fiscal year, the association spent nearly $560 million on research, professional and public education, as well as advocacy and community service programs.

King reached the top of the boxing and event promotion industry in 1974 with the famed Rumble in the Jungle bout, featuring Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The following year, King presented the Thrilla in Manila, in which Ali fought Joe Frazier for the third and final time.

In his career, King has promoted more than 500 world championship matches.

He holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history.

While his event promotion involved former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, King also has promoted or co-promoted 12 of the top 20 highest-grossing live gates in Nevada history, including four of the top five.

A six-time World Boxing Association Promoter of the Year, King has also been named Promoter of the Century and Promoter of the Millennium by the WBA.

The World Boxing Council went a step further when it named him the Greatest Promoter of All Time in 1994.

As the only promoter named to Sports Illustrated¹s list of the 40 Most Influential Sports Figures of the Last 40 Years in 1994, King was also the first boxing promoter to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1997) and the Gaming Hall of Fame in Las Vegas (2008).

At 77, King is still going strong. He¹s currently promoting championship boxing events around the world from his Deerfield Beach headquarters.

For information on the Boca Raton Heart Ball and sponsorship opportunities, call the American Heart Association
at 561-615-3888.

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