How did Don King end up powerless in boxing?

[Earl-Hickey]

This dude ran the game for decades but in the last 20 years he's been worthless and I'm surprised when his name pops up.

What happened?

[EnglishOxide]

He still runs the game in the shadows. It's well documented how close he is to Haymon.

[james240]

He still runs the game in the shadows. It's well documented how close he is to Haymon.

Doesn't he still advise Stiverne?

[Cobracmndr6193]

The dude doesn't even have a website for his promotion company. When was the last time one of his fighters won a fight? Stiverne, Vanes Martirosyan, etc. It seems like Don just sets up his fighters to lose.

[Larry the boss]

Only so many people you can mess over and still remain on top...surprised he is still alive

[chitownboxing]

I'm sure he's getting money... a lot of money, from boxing still. He's old as dirt though, and sits at home doing whatever he does.

[SHAW ARUM DUVA]

This dude ran the game for decades but in the last 20 years he's been worthless and I'm surprised when his name pops up.

What happened?

The Klitschkos happened.

Don derived all of his leverage from controlling the heavyweight titles for decades.

But the Klitschkos came along and Don could never convince them to sign with him and he could never find any fighters that could beat them.

With the Klitschkos monopolizing all four heavyweight titles, HBO and SHO could finally afford to edge Don out of the business. He made so many enemies and was so hated, but you begrudingly had to do business with him because he controlled the heavyweights.

Once that was no longer the case, everyone was thrilled to cut ties.