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Don King plans 2-for-1 Michael Jackson tribute

Manalapan promoter Don King promised that his Showtime boxing event July 11 near Fort Lauderdale will include a “huge” tribute to fallen pop star Michael Jackson.

And King will be selling two tickets for the price of one to fans who say the words “Michael Jackson.”

Don King with boxer Mike Tyson and Jackson in the early 1990s

Don King with boxer Mike Tyson and Jackson in the early 1990s

There’ll also be a satellite hookup with Jackson family members, King spokesman Robert Weneck said. The celebration will  feature the traditional fallen hero’s 10-bell salute, a candlelight vigil and a Jumbotron showing of the singer’s rendition of I’ll Be There.

The event will be broadcast live on Showtime from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise.  Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko and Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan are vying for the bantamweight IBF title.

“Don has been very close to Michael and his family for decades,” Weneck said. “Don adores Michael. He is very close to Michael’s dad. All those guys always stick together.”

Ever the showman, King even dreamed up a commercial angle to Jackson’s death.

“If you mention Michael Jackson’s name when you call the BankAtlantic Center or Ticketmaster for tickets, you’ll get two for the price of one,” Weneck said.

It’s only fitting that King would want to celebrate the singer, other than to beef up attendance. His Hairyness co-promoted the Jacksons’ famed Victory Tour in 1984, which is said to have netted $150 million.

Don King's tribute to Michael Jackson at his July 11 boxing meet is:

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2 Comments »

  1. Comment by Mike Katz — July 1, 2009 @ 3:57 pm

    Don’t be too hard on Don. He is doing this out of the kindness of his heart for all of MJ’s fans. This has nothing to do with money. Jose, you are a very cynical man. Feel the love Jose, feel the love.

  2. Comment by Steve Maduri — July 1, 2009 @ 4:30 pm

    Do I have to say “Michael Jackson” in a high pitched voice, or snap my fingers when i say it?

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