King, Douglas Settle for a Split Decision

Heavyweight champion Buster Douglas and promoter Don King settled their lawsuit out of court Tuesday, giving Douglas the go-ahead for his first title defense, against Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas on Oct. 25.

King will receive a cash settlement for bowing out of that promotion, but will remain as the champion’s promoter in future fights.

The decision means that Douglas’ first fight since his Feb. 10 knockout of Mike Tyson will be at the Mirage, the Las Vegas hotel-casino that was a co-defendant in the federal lawsuit brought by King.

But Holyfield’s promoters said they want the fight held on its original date, Sept. 21, and only a court order will change their minds.

King will be back in business after that fight--albeit without any friends in the Douglas camp--for the current champion’s subsequent fights. Douglas hoped to oust King completely.