May 9 2024 – Powerplay: The House of Don King is a brand new, eight-part podcast series from the BBC that covers the life of the legendary boxing promoter. The podcast will launch as a boxset on BBC sounds on 9 May.

Hosted by former Heavyweight World Champion Lennox Lewis and 5 Live boxing’s Steve Bunce, Powerplay: The House of Don King will speak to people who knew and worked with the controversial figure.

The series promises an unprecedented exploration of King's extraordinary journey in the realm of boxing, from his controversial rise to his enduring legacy.

Renowned for his larger-than-life persona and electrified hairstyle, Don King emerged onto the boxing scene with his promotion of the historic Muhammad Ali and George Foreman showdown, famously known as the 'Rumble in the Jungle.' Prior to this, Don King killed two men, the first case was ruled justifiable homicide and then in 1967 he was found guilty of killing an employee, Sam Garrett, on a street over a $600 debt.

Released just five years later and then pardoned, King entered the world of boxing promotion, working on some of the biggest fights in sports history.

The series will feature a diverse array of guests, each with their own stories to share about the enigmatic figure, including: Legendary UK promoter Barry Hearn; two-time Heavyweight World Champion Tim Witherspoon; British boxing manager and promoter Mick Hennessy; Two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi; and American author Thomas Hauser.

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Steve Bunce said: “Powerplay is a look at what motivated Don King, we hear from the people that were his rivals and the people that were his allies. Lennox was always the number one choice to do this series with as he’s a man that stood up to Don King and not many did.”

Lennox Lewis said: “Don King was a giant figure out there, you heard about his name and you knew who he was involved with and you knew his reputation. Stories get around very quickly and reputations get around very quickly.”