Don King took some time out of his busy Crocs promoting schedule to talk Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open with Arthel Neville of Fox 5 San Diego. Mr. King gives us a lesson on talking about everything and nothing at the same time during the interview.

Don King’s (self-)promotional skills helped him land a job with Nike pushing The Grapple in the Apple featuring Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. What happens to the campaign if one of them bows out early? I don’t know. And Don probably doesn’t either, but he doesn’t need to. As you can see in the video all Don needs are some names and dates and he’ll handle the rest. And for once I’m glad Don King was talking so much. It saved us from hearing more from Arthel Neville… The daughter of Art Neville and a former girlfriend of Shaquille O’Neal.

Don’t get me wrong. Arthel has credentials. She’s had some great gigs, but she’s obviously dying to get out of San Diego. She spent the entire time kissing up to the Fox folks in New York, especially Roger Ailes. Arthel better be on the lookout for the rapper Nas.

Don King, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, U.S. Open

Ruslan Chagaev, a 28 year old Uzbekistan boxer that calls himself “White Tyson”, defeated Nikolai Valuev on points to become the new WBA heavyweight champ. The loss is the first for Valuev, moving his record to 46-1. Here’s the scores:

Chagaev is nearly a foot shorter and 100 pounds lighter than the 7 foot 325 pound Valuev. White Tyson earned his title shot by defeating John Ruiz in November. Valuev was gunning for Rocky Marciano’s record of starting a career 49-0 but came up short and admitted after the fight that he wasn’t properly conditioned.

“Today I made a lot of mistakes and Ruslan was a few points ahead. My biggest mistake was the stamina in my legs was not good.”

Valuev’s promoter, Don King, was in the building and enjoyed the fight as much as one can enjoy a fight when their client loses.

“It was a great, great fight — better than anyone expected.”

Chagaev out points Valuev to take heavyweight title via ESPN

Fight screen shots via World Boxing

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