On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the legendary host welcomed the charismatic and controversial Don King to the show. Known as one of the world’s premier promoters of sports events and entertainment, King is responsible for some of the most iconic moments in boxing history.
During the interview, Johnny Carson introduced Don King, who was making his first appearance on The Tonight Show. The audience showed their excitement with applause as King took the stage. The interaction between the two iconic personalities was lively and entertaining, keeping viewers engaged throughout.
As Johnny Carson delved into the conversation, he couldn’t help but mention Don King‘s signature hairstyle. With his hair standing straight up, King explained that it was not a deliberate style choice, but rather a natural occurrence. He shared a humorous anecdote about how his hair began to stand up on its own after a traumatic situation in 1971. Since then, it has become his trademark look.
The conversation then veered towards Don King‘s journey to becoming a successful promoter. King shared that he started from humble beginnings, working odd jobs such as being a caddy, bus boy, and waiter. Eventually, he found himself in the world of boxing promotion, working alongside the legendary Muhammad Ali.
Johnny Carson commended Don King for his ability to secure lucrative purses for fighters. King’s ingenious promotional strategies helped elevate the careers of many boxers, including Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks. He spoke about his upcoming event, Vindication in Las Vegas, a highly anticipated rematch between Holmes and Spinks.
Throughout the interview, Don King emphasized his hustle and determination, referring to himself as a hustler who made it from the streets to the executive suites. He credited his success to his relentless drive and willingness to take risks. King also expressed his admiration for the Las Vegas Hilton and its contribution to the entertainment industry.
The conversation between Johnny Carson and Don King covered a range of topics, showcasing King’s enthusiasm for boxing and his desire to bring the sport to new heights. With his upcoming event in Las Vegas, King aimed to uplift the image of boxing and remove any doubts about the sport’s integrity.
As the interview came to a close, Johnny Carson playfully mentioned his desire to be a guest on Don King‘s show. The interaction between the two was filled with humor and camaraderie, leaving viewers entertained and eager for more.
Don King‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was yet another example of the show’s ability to bring together iconic personalities from the entertainment world. The episode served as a reminder of the impact Johnny Carson had on late-night television and the influence he had in shaping careers.
With its mix of humor, insightful conversation, and captivating anecdotes, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson featuring Don King proved to be a memorable and engaging experience for both the audience and viewers at home.
Originally aired on April 2, 1986
