DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla.—Boxing promoter Don King received a gift of $500,000 from his fighter Felix “Tito” Trindad in celebration of his 80th birthday.
Trinidad, a five-time world champion who King promoted in his most thrilling world championship matches, was not able to come to South Florida to celebrate the milestone birthday with his longtime promoter on Aug. 20, so he sent the big present to let King know how much he appreciates all of his efforts on his behalf.
In a note that accompanied the gift, Felix “Tito” Trinidad and his father Juan Felix “Papa” Trinidad Rodriguez Sr. gave birthday wishes and noted their gratitude to King.
“We want to express congratulations on your 80th birthday and hope that you maintain good health for the years to come. We want to express our gratitude to you for the opportunities you gave us.”
King said it was completely unexpected.
“You can imagine my surprise when I received this gift from Tito and Papa,” King said. “We had been planning on getting together, but our schedules had not lined up. What a pleasant surprise it was for them to let me know they still love and appreciate me. I feel the same way about them.”
