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 claiming the WBA and various promoters conspired to undermine its exclusive promotional rights with boxer Michael Hunter. The lawsuit alleges the defendants organized and marketed a competing event featuring Hunter, inducing him to breach his contract with DKP. DKP is seeking injunctive relief and damages.

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 the formation of Zuffa Boxing. The case highlights the complex web of contracts and exclusive rights in the boxing promotion industry, where powerful figures like Don King wield significant influence.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Michael Hunter was set to face Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller on September 11 as part of the build-up to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford fight on September 13 in Las Vegas. However, the Hunter-Miller fight was cancelled by Miller due to "legal and regulatory reasons." Don King Promotions claims the WBA and the promoter defendants knowingly went behind DKP's back and conspired to organize and market this competing event featuring Hunter, inducing him to breach his exclusive contract with DKP.

  • The Hunter-Miller fight was scheduled for September 11, 2026.
  • The Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford fight was scheduled for September 13, 2026.

The players

Don King Promotions

A prominent 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 scheduled to fight Michael Hunter on September 11, 2026.

WBA

The World Boxing Association, one of the major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing.

Sela

A company involved in the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford fight, which is the focus of a separate $1 billion lawsuit from Queensberry.

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What they’re saying

“Multiple players within boxing induced and colluded with each other to misrepresent the rights and contract between Don King and his fighter. The WBA involved in a joint conspiracy”

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

“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)

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to grant a preliminary injunction to prohibit the promoter defendants from continuing to induce Michael Hunter's participation in other boxing events and from further interfering with Don King Promotions' contractual and promotional rights.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the complex web of exclusive contracts and promotional rights in the boxing industry, where powerful figures like Don King wield significant influence. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how boxing promoters and sanctioning bodies navigate these issues going forward.