Trump Joins Fight Over Rights to a Title Defense by Douglas

Donald J. Trump filed a $50-million lawsuit against the Mirage Hotel and Casino Friday, claiming unlawful interference by the Las Vegas resort with Trump Plaza’s contractual right to be the site of a heavyweight championship rematch between Buster Douglas and Mike Tyson.

John J. Barry, one of Trump’s attorneys, said his client and promoter Don King agreed on a rematch Feb. 12, two days after Douglas won the title with a 10th-round knockout in Tokyo. The rematch would have taken place June 18 in Atlantic City, N.J.

King, who claims to have promotional rights to Douglas’ next three fights, has also filed suit against the Mirage, which wants to promote a fight between Douglas and No. 1 contender Evander Holyfield in September. Barry said he hoped both the Trump and King suits could be consolidated for purposes of a quick trial.

“Trump’s position is he has a contract with King for June 18 and at the time it was signed, King had the rights because of an exclusive contract to promote Douglas’ next fight.

“If Douglas has a contract with King and King has a contract with Trump, the Mirage is interfering with Trump’s contract.”

Trump’s suit, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, seeks an injunction against the Mirage and, if the rematch continues to be interfered with, punitive and compensatory damages in excess of $50 million. Douglas and his manager, John Johnson, were also named as defendants.