[ 2016-08-09 ]

Legendary Boxing promoter, Don King

Don King denies “Rumble In The Jungle” II in Ghana
Legendary Boxing promoter, Don King, has clarified
his staging of “Rumble in the Jungle” II in
Ghana to celebrate the life of boxing legend
Muhammad Ali.

It will be recalled that Sports Minister, Nii
Lantey Vanderpuije, in June announced the possible
hosting of the event in Ghana. Don King, who has
nurtured and promoted hundreds of world champions
from across the world, has issued a statement
about the upcoming event.

"I am honoured by the expression of interest
shown by the visionary Minister for Sports &
Youth, Minister Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, to bring a
first class global boxing promotion to Ghana to
mark the anniversary of the 'Rumble in the Jungle'
as a tribute to Muhammad Ali who sadly passed away
last month," said Don King in a statement.

"We have had an exploratory conversation about
the possibility of this event being hosted in
Ghana with the Minister, but nothing concrete has
been planned. There is a great deal of interest
from other countries on the African Continent and
we are exploring all possibilities as the most
suitable venue for logistics and a tight time
frame as the ideal time would be around the
anniversary of the original 'Rumble' in
October/November."

He added: "The concept which the Minister
discussed with Don King, is to mark the
anniversary of the historic Heavyweight boxing
match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman held
in Kinshasa known as 'the Rumble in the Jungle.

"It was a unique sporting event broadcast live to
over 1 billion people. It put Kinshasa Zaire (now
DRC), on the map and the continent of Africa at
the center of global attention. "Global sporting
events are recognized as bringing revenue,
development and nation building to a country and
an invaluable source of promotion for countries
and their culture.

"The historic sports event was bigger than boxing
and was a cultural and sporting masterpiece
bringing celebrities and athletes together from
around the world for what was a unique 'first of
its kind'.

"For Ali it was a defining moment and set him
apart as a global icon and a household name. It
would be a fitting tribute to Ali to bring his
name and legacy back to Africa, the Continent and
its people that meant so much to him, for a final
farewell."

"I love Ghana and I love the Ghanaian people. I
have had the honour of meeting Ghana's Presidents
in the past. Some of the greatest boxers I
promoted from the start of their careers to their
crowning as World Champions, hailed from Ghana.

"Azumah Nelson was not just a great Ghanaian
boxer, he was one of the greatest of all time so I
have a lot of love and motivation to come to Ghana
to hold this historic event to mark the
anniversary of the first 'Rumble' and as a tribute
to the great Muhammad Ali.

"It will be attended by celebrities and movers
and shakers of global industry as my promotions
are very high profile and this will be especially
so," said Don King. "But there are no firm
proposals to hold this event in Ghana as of now
and there are other potential countries in Africa
who have expressed strong interest.

"Undoubtedly the event will be history in the
making again. Sport brings people together and the
world needs unifying and an uplifting message now
more than ever. "Putting the host country centre
stage on global media and live and direct from
Africa! It's very exciting and I'm looking forward
to it," King stated.

The Ghana Minister for Youth and Sports Nii
Lantey Vanderpuye expressed 'we are working to try
to bring this event to Ghana.

Don King is planning the mega event for the
autumn and discussions are ongoing with several
African countries as potential host nations for
this historic event live from Africa.

Source - peacefmonline.com

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