Don King Sues Ring Magazine, WBA, Sela & More

Lawsuit claims conspiracy to undermine Don King Promotions' exclusive rights to boxer Michael Hunter

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Don King Promotions has filed a lawsuit against multiple entities in the boxing world, including Ring Magazine, the WBA, and Sela, alleging a coordinated effort to undermine DKP's exclusive promotional rights to boxer Michael Hunter. The lawsuit claims the defendants conspired to organize and market a fight between Hunter and Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller, which was set to take place on September 11 as part of the build-up to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford fight on September 13 in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

This lawsuit adds to the legal headaches facing Sela and TKO Group, who are already facing a $1 billion lawsuit from Queensberry over alleged use of privileged information to form Zuffa Boxing. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the power dynamics and contractual obligations within the boxing industry.

The details

According to Don King's attorney Angelo Brito, the lawsuit alleges 'multiple players within boxing induced and colluded with each other to misrepresent the rights and contract between Don King and his fighter' Michael Hunter. Brito claims the WBA knowingly went behind the back of Don King Promotions and conspired to promote the Jarrel Miller and Michael Hunter fight, breaching the exclusive contract DKP has with Michael Hunter.

  • The Michael Hunter vs. Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller fight was set to take place on September 11, 2026.
  • The Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford fight, which the Hunter-Miller fight was meant to build up to, was scheduled for September 13, 2026.

The players

Don King Promotions

A boxing promotion company founded by legendary promoter Don King.

Michael Hunter

A professional boxer under contract with Don King Promotions.

Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller

A heavyweight boxer who was set to fight Michael Hunter on September 11, 2026.

World Boxing Association (WBA)

One of the major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing, named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Sela

A boxing promotion company that was partnering with TKO Group and Ring Magazine to put on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford fight in Las Vegas.

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What they’re saying

“This action arises from a coordinated, knowing campaign by the WBA and the promoter defendants to undermine and misappropriate DKP's exclusive rights to promote Hunter, a professional prize fighter under contract with DKP.”

— Angelo Brito, Attorney for Don King Promotions (Boxing Scene)

“The WBA and the promoter defendants knew DKP held exclusive rights, yet they proceeded to organize, facilitate and market a competing event featuring Hunter, intentionally inducing Hunter to breach and/or circumvent DKP's exclusive rights.”

— Angelo Brito, Attorney for Don King Promotions (Boxing Scene)

What’s next

The judge will need to decide whether to grant a preliminary injunction to prohibit the defendants from continuing to promote the Michael Hunter vs. Jarrell Miller fight and interfere with Don King Promotions' exclusive rights.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the complex web of contracts, exclusivity agreements, and power dynamics within the boxing industry. The outcome could set an important precedent for how promotional rights are enforced and respected moving forward.