Murphy, Falcon & Murphy Obtains Acquittal for Boxing Promoter Don King on Mail and Wire Fraud Charges

In 1997, legendary boxing promoter Don King and his company, Don King Productions, were indicted in the Southern District of New York for mail and wire fraud. Mr. King turned to Judge Billy Murphy and Hassan Murphy to defend his company against charges of defrauding Lloyd’s of London out of fight-cancellation insurance, for which he was facing a possible 40+ years—a virtual life sentence for then 70-year-old King.

Billy and Hassan Murphy were hired to protect the freedom, life and liberty of one of the most celebrated African American businessmen in sports history. A loss for Don King Productions would have ended its ability to be licensed to promote boxing matches in Nevada and New Jersey, a critical blow for any fight promoter.

Mr. King was acquitted of all charges after the jury voted 11-1 in favor of the acquittal of Don King Productions. Billy and Hassan Murphy won the trial by winning multiple evidentiary motions, along with the skillful and deadly cross-examination of each of the government’s 35 witnesses.

This case made the front page of the New York Times’ Sports section.