King's career in boxing promotion took off with the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in October 1974. The event, held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), pitted the 32-year-old Ali against reigning champion George Foreman. Ali, considered the underdog, shocked the world by knocking out Foreman in the eighth round to reclaim the world championship.
In his assessment of Ali, King praised more than just his boxing skills. He described Ali as a man and fighter for the people, emphasizing his character outside the ring.
"Ali was the greatest of all time. He was a man of the people, a fighter for the people, and a great human being. He was a champion of the people with an attitude of getting it done without equivocation. Ali cared for people and helped young and old without seeking publicity. His spirit will go on forever."
Ali's career stats back up King's high praise. The boxer ended his career with 56 wins, including 37 knockouts, and only 5 losses. He passed away in 2016 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
King's relationship with Ali wasn't without controversy, though. Some questioned King's motives when Ali continued to fight on his cards towards the end of his career, even when many thought Ali was unfit to compete.
Despite this, King maintains that Ali was a friend for life. His relationships with other boxers like Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson were more complex.
King's legacy in boxing is undeniable. He's known for putting on some of the best cards in the sport's history. His colorful personality and controversial nature have made him one of boxing's most memorable characters outside the ring.
While King has worked with many great heavyweights, his admiration for Ali stands out. In his view, Ali's impact both in and out of the ring puts him above all others in the heavyweight division.