01-01-26 - Don King - call in - 2007 - BO

Summary

Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness, “Don King Call-In” – January 1, 2026

Podcast: Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS) – 98KUPD, Arizona
Guests/Hosts: John Holmberg (host), Brady "Bulldog" Bogan (co-host), Don King (special guest)
Episode Air Date: January 1, 2026
Episode Focus: Legendary boxing promoter Don King joins the morning show to promote an upcoming fight and share his signature blend of hyperbolic enthusiasm, Americana, and storytelling.

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Episode Overview

The episode centers on a high-energy call-in from Don King, who speaks with John Holmberg and Brady Bogan about upcoming boxing matches, the importance of supporting U.S. troops, memories from Arizona, and even — memorably — the virtues of ants. The conversation is a wild, entertaining ride through King's classic promotion style, personal philosophy, and larger-than-life persona.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Welcoming Don King and Boxing Nicknames

• [01:09] Don King joins the show, expressing his excitement about promoting an upcoming fight and being “back in Phoenix."
• King gives John Holmberg a fighting nickname, drawing a comparison to John Wayne:

  “John, you’ll be the fighting John Wayne...and everyone would know who you are. Fear would just come into their eyes when they see you step into the ring.” (Don King, 01:44)

• Brady (“Bulldog”) gets likened to “Chesty” from the Marines, making for jovial banter about nicknames and tough personas.

Patriotic Overtones and Support for Troops

• [02:45] King launches passionately into support for American troops:

  “We must support our troops. They’re the embodiment of America, the men and women that wear that uniform...” (Don King, 02:46)

• Directly addresses Senator John McCain, reinforcing the salute to veterans.

Fight Promotion & Colorful Descriptions of Matchups

• [03:17] King switches to promoting his latest fight cards:
  • “The Nightmare” Samuel Peter vs. Jameel “Big Time” McCline (Showtime main event)
  • Undercard includes Andrew Golota vs. Kevin McBride, Daniel Santos vs. Jose Rivera, and DaVarryl Williamson vs. Kali Meehan
• King’s promotional style blends bombast and national pride:

  “It’s gonna be great. The Puerto Ricans — Viva Puerto Rico!... and then the Colorado Kid, the Barrel Williamson...” (Don King, 04:12)

Reflections on Arizona and Past Fights

• [04:43] Don reminisces about past Arizona events and the state’s significance in boxing:

  “I think Arizona is one of the greatest places in the world...” (Don King, 04:47)

• Recalls the dramatic finish between Shannon Briggs and Sergei Liakhovich.

Philosophy on People, Places, and Perseverance

• [05:22] When asked if he’s ever been disappointed by a city, King riffs on his love for people:

  “Anywhere there’s people...I love people — every race, color, creed, and religion.” (Don King, 05:25)

• Discusses exhaustion, motivation, and the human connection.

The Ant Analogy – King’s Signature Tangent

• [06:03] Holmberg jokes about King talking to ants if stranded in the desert; King obliges:

  “Only the ants in the sand. And I would begin to talk ant language.” (Don King, 06:03) “The ants are really working...they build and rebuild...I try to be antlike, working for the betterment of this great nation...” (Don King, 06:12; 06:23)

Promoter's Resilience – Overcoming Setbacks

• [07:01] King details how he navigated three consecutive fight card changes and kept shows alive:

  “Three fights in a row fall out...thanks to Ken Hirschman and Jim Dolan, we are able to save that show.” (Don King, 07:01)

• Describes the resulting “faith card” and his gratitude to the American public.

Friendly Requests and Boxing Fandom

• [08:04] Holmberg, calling himself practically Don King's “best friend,” requests tickets to the upcoming Hatton vs. Mayweather fight.
• King quickly agrees, throwing in a classic Don King-ism:

  “Anything you want, you can get here...for the asking.” (Don King, 08:15)

Ohio Roots and the Governor’s Pardon

• [08:50] Brady notes a shared Ohio connection: his best friend’s grandfather, Jim Rhodes, was close to King.
• King fondly praises Rhodes, recounting his pardon after prison:

  “Jim Rhodes...his spirit still lives on...He gave me an unconditional pardon when I came out of the penitentiary.” (Don King, 08:59)

Arranging Tickets; Vegas & Casino Connections

• [10:01] King instructs John on how to claim Mayweather-Hatton tickets via his associate “Ivy,” relates anecdotes about Las Vegas and casino magnate Kirk Kerkorian.

  “Ain’t nothing but a stepper. I will secure that to get you to do that...” (Don King, 10:19)

Humorous Wrap-up & Reflections on Don King’s Persona

• [11:14] As King leaves, the hosts are left in awe (and a bit overwhelmed) by his ability to promote even ants:

  “He promoted ants. I’ve never seen a human being do that before...He could tell me Jesus was in the hallway; I’d go look.” (John Holmberg, 12:52)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Don King's Patriotic Passion:
  “We must support our troops. They're the embodiment of America, the men and women that wear that uniform...” — [02:46]
• On Ants & Perseverance:
  “I try to be antlike, working for the betterment of this great nation...” — [06:23]
• Don King's Promoter Resilience:
  “Thanks to Ken Hirschman and Jim Dolan, we are able to save that show… it’s a real faith card.” — [07:01]
• On Receiving a Pardon from Governor Rhodes:
  “He gave me a pardon, an unconditional pardon, when I come out of the penitentiary...He epitomized Americana.” — [08:59]
• On Don King’s Influence:
  “He could tell me Jesus was in the hallway; I’d go look.” — [John Holmberg, 12:52]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:21 – Don King joins, delivers signature intro and energy
• 02:45 – King’s tribute to U.S. troops and John McCain
• 03:17–04:43 – Fight promotion: Samuel Peter, Jameel McCline, undercard details
• 05:22–05:57 – Riff on loving people, places, Arizona memories
• 06:03–07:01 – The Ant Analogy: comedy and philosophy
• 08:04–08:26 – Request for Mayweather vs Hatton tickets; King promises to deliver
• 08:50–09:45 – Ohio memories and Governor Jim Rhodes’ pardon
• 10:01–10:39 – Ivy handles ticket logistics; King’s Las Vegas connections
• 11:14–12:52 – Hosts process the whirlwind; Don King's impact and humor

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Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode is a fast-talking, high-voltage showcase of Don King’s promotional genius and unique worldview. It’s energetic, quirky, sometimes surreal, and always delivered in King’s grandiloquent style. King's ability to weave together the themes of patriotism, perseverance, showmanship, and even the work ethic of ants provides amusement and inspiration. The hosts, rapt and at times bewildered, marvel at King’s ability to make any subject compelling.

For listeners, this episode is a colorful snapshot of both boxing culture and Americana, as filtered through one of its most eccentric promoters.

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Transcript

[John Holmberg]

You're listening to the HMS podcast brought.

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[Don King]

It's the best of Homburg's morning sickness.

[John Holmberg]

Ladies and gentlemen, Don King is on the line. Very excited about this. Don King is joining us as we speak promoting a fight this weekend. Don King is, is there Mr. King?

[Don King]

Yes.

[John Holmberg]

Good morning, sir.

[Don King]

Good morning, John and Brady. How are you? I feel good to be back in Phoenix. From the ashes of the Phoenix, we shall rise again.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

There you go.

[Don King]

Yes. You heard it right here on K U p D F in Phoenix, Arizona. Beautiful. Humberg and Brady.

[John Holmberg]

That's perfect. Now if I had a fight nickname, what would it be? John Holmberg. What would my fight nickname?

[Don King]

Well, you know, John's a fighting name. Don't forget John Wayne. You know what I mean? He was, you know, all those guys, the big Duke. You know what I mean? Tough guy, man. Mean what I say. Say what I mean and go out there and get him. So, John, you'll be the fighting John Wayne and you'll be right there to go out there and take care of business and, and everybody would know who you are. And they know that fear would just come into their eyes when they see you step into the ring because they know you are ready to do your thing.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Yeah, but Don, he would have real trouble with Brady Bulldog Bogan.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, yeah, whatever.

[Don King]

Well, oh, man, when you said the bulldog, I think about old Chesty in the United States Marines. Chesty was the bulldog. If that's the Marines. The Marines, baby. From the halls of. What is. What's that?

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Halls of justice.

[John Holmberg]

Alt of Montezuma.

[Don King]

Yes. From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.

[John Holmberg]

There you go.

[Don King]

Our country's battles on the land as well as the sea. Oh, I love the Marines. Chesty Bulldog. So, Brady Bulldog, you'll be a Marine. He's the Marine simplified.

[John Holmberg]

I love it.

[Don King]

I love it. And you got to support our troops. Let me start off right from the beginning, guys. We must support our troops. They're the embodiment of America, the men and women that wear that uniform, that give us the opportunity to be able to talk on John Holmberg and Brady and Phoenix, Arizona, and. And with kupdfm. So let's salute our troops. Support our troops and make America better. Did you Hear that? John McCain. Senator John McCain, did you hear that? Yes. Support our troops. You know, he's a veteran, too.

[John Holmberg]

I know.

[Don King]

You know, like the ultimate. Now we got a prisoner of fisticuffs up here at the Garden on 10 o' clock Eastern Standard Time Saturday night. This young man named the nightmare is that Samuel Peter would take on jamil Big time McClain. It's gonna be a great evening of boxing. You see that show on Showtime? What time? Showtime. And so now the other ones you won't see, but you're gonna hear about if you get the chance to see it live in living color. Andrew Galata, that terrific guy that's going to be fighting from Poland against the island guy, Kevin McBride. True allure. Allure. An Irish lullaby. You know, the dandelion jumping up in the fields. Old Daddy boy. Old Daddy Boy. All the Irish are coming out en masse. The witness hero that beat Tyson. It's going to be great. The Puerto Ricans. Viva Puerto Rico. Daniel Santos will take on Jose Rivera. And then the Colorado Kid, the Barrel Williamson, will take on Callie Meehan, the thunder from down under. So we got a great show in store for you. You'll hear about the results, but you will see Samuel, Peter and McLean on Showtime because of Ken Hirschman and his infinite wisdom. So I'm just so delighted to be back in Phoenix again, where the Indians are, the Navajo and the Arapaho, all of them. The Bennett process was signed there. I'm so glad to know about all of these things for that great state of Arizona.

[John Holmberg]

There you go. When are you bringing boxing back to Arizona?

[Vervo Advertiser]

Soon.

[Don King]

How long? Soon. Back to Arizona and loving every delicious moment of it because I think Arizona is one of the greatest places in the world. And I was just there. And we had a heavyweight title fight there. And this young man, Shannon Briggs, in the last 25 seconds, knocked out Sergey Lakovich. I couldn't believe it. It was history in the making right there in Phoenix, Arizona.

[John Holmberg]

Don King, do you ever have a moment where you're in a city and you're like, I don't even really like it here that much. It's very average. Is there ever a moment where you're just kind of mildly disappointed?

[Don King]

But now, you know what? Anywhere there's people. If I was in the desert, I would be disappointed if it wasn't nobody there, Right. But, you know, because I love people. I be few of the rainbow, every race, color, creed and religion. It's very difficult to find me where people are involved. And I would be on a downer sometimes I get exhausted, I get tired, I bet. But, you know, I get tired of being what I could be. And that means reaching out to touch someone and say, hey, help me, you know, to become a better person. So it's the thing here that I just love that, that state there, man. And it, you know, it makes me feel good because you can work with people there in Arizona.

[John Holmberg]

So it begs the question, if Don King was wandering the desert alone, would anyone hear him?

[Don King]

Only the ants in the sand. And I would begin to talk ant language.

[John Holmberg]

Oh, you. You would learn ant.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Not only that, Dom, you go to ants.

[Don King]

They're laborious, though they work hard. The ants are really working. And they are what makes them so different from anything else in the insect family. Because the ants build and rebuild.

[John Holmberg]

You would learn.

[Don King]

So they work hard all the time, dedicatedly and committedly. And so I try to be ant like, you know, working for the betterment of this great nation called America and being able to be with John and Brady. Bulldog. Brady, Don King.

[John Holmberg]

You just promoted ants.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

You know what?

[Don King]

That's amazing.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

But by promoting the ants, he really pissed off the scorpion.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, I know. So now you've got a bad one.

[Don King]

But the scorpions are a little vile. The scorpions bring ear evil. The scorpions bring, you know, a death. You know what I mean? But the ants, they just build. They may mess you around and crawl on you, make you itch. You know what I mean?

[John Holmberg]

Yeah.

[Don King]

But the ants are always building, building, building, building. And they work dedicatedly and committedly. So we must persevere. Selecting in that. Because just this last month, three fights in a row, fall falls out consecutively. I rescheduled one with Vargas and Mayorca. That will be November 23rd. Right after Thanksgiving, I saved the other one because of Ken Hirschman. Again with Chad Dawson. Epiphanyo Mendoza stepped into the place of Diaconu who comes from Romania fighting out of Canada, and we saved that show. And then on October 6th, we had Oleg Mask, another Russian with a backache and he came in and he fell out with the backache. And we put in Samuel peter against Jamil McClan. Thanks to Ken Hirschman and Jim Doolan, we are able to save that show. So thank you, Ken Hman, thank you Jim Dolan, and thank you the American people to be there to witness pride, hope and glory. It's a real faith card that has really been putting together something that's really wonderful. That's why we call it faith.

[John Holmberg]

There you go. Now this is, this is this. Okay. This is the second time you've been on the show. Don, I have to ask you, this makes us practically best friends. Can you send me tickets to go see Hatton and Mayweather?

[Don King]

Absolutely. Anything you want, you can get here. Perfect for the asking. You know what? Hadden is a terrific competitor. He probably won't see Mayweather all night long.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, I know he dances.

[Don King]

It will be long distance in there to go out to find Mayweather with his blinding speed, you know what I mean? It's like, you know, a rabbit and a tortoise, you know what I mean? So maybe the tortoise may be able to get him in and get him, you know, I mean, because that's the way it is. You heard it right here. As Walter Cr. Walter Cronkite would say, yes, the way it is.

[John Holmberg]

Don, they're telling us to wrap it up. Brady knows somebody, you know, and he.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Wanted to get this. We had a longtime mutual friend. I grew up in. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and my best friend's grandfather was a friend of yours, Jim Rhodes.

[Don King]

Oh, man, Jim Rhodes. You know what, Let me tell you something. I love Jim Ro. I just got through talking about him early on. Governor Jim Rhodes is one of the greatest guys. His spirit still lives on. He's a 16 year governor, so that gives you an indication of how the people loved him in the state of Ohio. And he's a fabulous man. Honorable integrity and leadership. I mean, he was such a wonderful man. I really appreciate him. I'm a Buckeye too. But Jim Rhodes, he gave me a pardon, an unconditional pardon. When I come out of the penitentiary, this guy was just a governor for all the people. He was not a governor for some of the people. He was a Governor for all the people. He epitomized Americana. And Governor Jim Rhodes. He was just a great guy. So his spirit lives on.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

And I told about. You were talking about integrity and I told John this. John really wants to go to that match, the Mayweather match. And you came through with tickets to the Jacksons for us in Cleveland. So he says front row, Don King. He'll come through for you, John.

[Don King]

All right, John. John, all you gotta do is get information to this beautiful lady that's traveling with me.

[John Holmberg]

You got.

[Don King]

Her name is Ivy. If you could capture their imagination with Ivy, I will see that you get two tickets to. Why are they fighting at. In. In Las Vegas?

[John Holmberg]

Vegas, I think, yes.

[Don King]

Is it at the mgm?

[John Holmberg]

I believe so. I will do anything for you from here on out.

[Don King]

Yeah, well, listen, ain't nothing. Ain't nothing but a stepper. I will secure that to be able to get you to do that because Kurt Kakoyan is my dear friend and Kurt Kakoyan owns the all strips. He doubled his fortune. What a guy. In America, he only had nine and a half billion and then he ended up with now 18 billion. Yep, he's doing all. He's a wonderful guy.

[John Holmberg]

Don, they're telling us we got to wrap up. I could talk to you all day.

[Don King]

Okay, man. Love you, man. But you get in touch with Ivy from Showtime and see if we can get you two tickets to go in and see what's this guy's name.

[John Holmberg]

I will be watching Jamil and Samuel Peter this weekend. You're my hero, Don King. We'll talk to you later.

[Don King]

Madison Square Garden, they say we got to go, we got to go. But don't forget, even though we got to go. October 6th on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

[John Holmberg]

There you go, Don King. We'll talk to you later. Thank you, sir. That's impossible.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

That.

[John Holmberg]

That's the hardest man in the world to chat with. How do you have dinner with him?

[Don King]

I just ordered the bread rolls and I can't wait for them to arrive at dinner.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

He's completely different.

[John Holmberg]

Oh, my Lord. Completely different.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Yeah, he's a carny. Anytime he's one mission, he's a carnival bark, he promote that. And.

[John Holmberg]

Well, you know what's worse? Now I want to watch this fight between two guys I've never heard of. And the worst part is the whole time what you guys can't hear is the guy over there sitting with Don King barking in our ear. We've really got to wrap this up, guys. Like I've said a word. I've said nothing. Tell your guy to wrap up.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

He milked it another three minutes.

[John Holmberg]

I've got. I didn't do anything. Don't tell guys. Really. Come on, wrap it up.

[Don King]

And then we had dinner over on a boat. And the boat was floating in the water.

[John Holmberg]

And there's fish in the water. If I could learn to speak fish, I would speak it. Wrap it up, Homer.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Come on.

[John Holmberg]

Hey.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

Because those fish are educated, they stay in schools.

[John Holmberg]

The man promoted ants.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

That was great. They work, they build, they do nothing.

[Don King]

They are in school promoting and learning.

[John Holmberg]

And they're all gonna watch the fish fight between Fishy Jamil McLean and Fishy Samuel Peter. He promoted ants.

[Don King]

If I was in the desert alone.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

I'd learn to speak ant as the.

[Commercial Announcer]

American way, no less.

[John Holmberg]

And then he turned around. Hard working American ants. He's flat insane. I got two tickets to Mayweather Hat and it's not even his flight.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

We gotta get a hold of Ivy.

[John Holmberg]

Call Ivy Toledo. I'm worn out listening to him.

[Brady Bulldog Bogan]

You got the inner sanctum, Ivy.

[John Holmberg]

He promoted ants. I've never seen a human being do that before. And made me believe he could. He could preach. And I would. I would buy it. He could tell me. He could tell me Jesus was in the hallway. I'd go look. Brady brings up the guy that pardoned him from his horrible crimes.

[Commercial Announcer]

And he loved it.

[John Holmberg]

And he loved it. And there's Don King. For no apparent reason whatsoever other than to promote ants. Ladies and gentlemen, when you see ants Today, recognize it's 98 KUPD on the john Humberg and Brady Bulldog Bogan Show.

[Don King]

Arizona's most powerful, powerful rock radio station, KUPD vrbo.

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