Legendary boxing promoter Don King appeared at MLW Never Say Never, as he was revealed as the financial backer of Bomaye Fight Club. In a taped video, he told Alex Kane to win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Kane then beat Alex Hammerstone to win the gold.
In an interview with Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post, MLW CEO Court Bauer noted that talks with King began the weekend of WrestleMania 38 in 2022. Bauer noted that Alex Kane leading Bomaye Fight Club was a fitting connection for King, given the way fans chanted “Ali, bomaye” at The Rumble in the Jungle.
“That was the perfect connection,” Bauer said.“There was no other option on the table that we felt was so organic and would be such a great native of Don King promoting champions from Ali, to [Mike] Tyson to Kane and we’re like that’s the perfect landing if we can stick the landing.”
Bauer stated that King’s side was receptive to the idea of working together, and the MLW CEO told Kane that King was on board. Staszewski noted that schedules and other circumstances delayed King from shooting the video for over a year, but eventually the timing lined up.
Kane also commented on King’s involvement, as he expressed his excitement and noted that King is a legend.
“When Court told me it was Don King, I was ecstatic,” Kane said. “Don King is a legend and a symbol of black excellence. I wanted to tell the world, but I had to keep it quiet.”
Bauer made it clear that, moving forward, all options are on the table for King’s involvement with MLW. Though he won’t appear weekly on TV, he will be a reoccurring presence. Bauer stated that he was hopeful that they could get Kane and King together to shoot some content.
“The goal, of course, is to have him there [in person], but having his presence with pretapes with Alex [Kane] those kinds of things,” Bauer said. “We will always find a way to do it.”
Catch up on our coverage of MLW Never Say Never here.
