Boxing promoter Don King taken to hospital for blood transfusion - Mike Tyson says he's 'not doing well'

Flamboyant boxing mogul Don King lit up the sport from the 1970s to the 1990s, making outlandish claims for his fighters but also setting up some of the biggest bouts in history - among them Muhammad Ali’s Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman in 1974, and the Thrilla in Manila between Ali and Joe Frazier a year later.

He went on to work with Mike Tyson when he reigned supreme as a heavyweight, before the pair had a much-publicised falling-out in the 1990s.

And Tyson revealed King’s precarious health during an interview for the It Is What It Is podcast. As reported by American celebrity website TMZ, Tyson said: "You know, Don is not doing well right now. He's probably close to 100 years old, he's not doing well."

King is in fact 93 and still works promoting boxing. His colourful career has also seen him promote other events, including The Jacksons 1984 Victory tour.

TMZ went on to report that King spent 10 days in hospital recently and received a blood transfusion. He is now at home recovering.