There’s only one Don King.

The legendary promoter is still going strong at the age of 79 with no signs of slowing down.

King chatted with BET.com prior to the Devon Alexander-Timothy Bradley fight on his relationship with fellow promoter Bob Arum and if retirement is in his future.

BET.com: What’s the key to maintaining a career in the boxing industry for as long as you have?

Don King: The key to me is faith in God and working with people. I’m a people promoter; a promoter of the people, for the people. Respect for my fellow American and whoever my partner might be. Aretha Franklin laid it out. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I take the two-by-four out of my eye before I take the splinter out of my brother’s eye.

What was the reasoning behind this fight being held at the Silverdome?

I didn’t select the Silverdome. My partner and co-promoter in this event, Gary Shaw, did. Unfortunately, my wife died at the time of the selection process and I was not really into it. He did it and I applaud him for doing it. He got a great city in Detroit and a city that’s in need. The big three (General Motors, Chrysler, Ford) are coming back. Motown USA, where the biggest thing going in there for us was Berry Gordy, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes. They all had a part of this whole thing in an urban area. The Motown express is on the move and we are reenergizing the Motown express. It’s really picking up steam as we go down to the finish line, which will be on the 29^th at the Silverdome.

What has it been like spending so much time with Bob Arum the past week?

It was wonderful. I would never know how good I was if I didn’t have Lonesome Bob on my tail all the time. Coming from two diverse backgrounds … he from Harvard and me from the streets. The ex-convict getting an unconditional pardon from Governor James A. Rhodes. To be back with him again, because he was highly competitive. You know how prosecutors think. They always think they can beat anything.  To have a guy like him snipping at my nose … you have to be able to deal with it. It’s a good experience to go back with Lonesome Bob and make things happen.

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week, what does it mean to have two young, black undefeated fighters headlining on HBO?

That’s fantastic. I think HBO outdone themselves and I think this is the first time they really have a real show because they have been falling short of the mark because they are not matchmakers. What it is here is you have a great show that nobody can condemn because it stands tall.

Is retirement a word in your vocabulary?

Retirement? What is that? Is it a plane? Is it a bird? People are my retirement. I take great comfort in my relationship with people. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Earlier today, you heard from St. Louis native Devon Alexander.

The man he’s stepping in the ring against is the undefeated Timothy Bradley.

After his victory over Luis Abregu last July, Bradley called out Alexander. Six months later, the two undefeated fighters are set to unify the junior welterweight championships.

Bradley chatted with BET.com on why he wouldn’t fight Alexander in St. Louis and who he will call out next if he wins.

BET.com: How is training camp coming along?

Timothy Bradley: Training is going well. I’m just tapering off now. I’m polishing up with light sparring and just working on a game plan.

Did you have a problem fighting Devon Alexander in St. Louis?

I would have a problem fighting in St. Louis. I would. Due to the fact that that’s where Devon’s from. Would he have a problem fighting me here in California? I’m sure he would. I absolutely would have a problem. We need to fight on neutral territory. Atlanta would have been great. New Orleans would have been great. That’s the promoters job. It’s not my job. If I could choose where the fight could have been held, I would have chose California.

Is there any concern about fighting in front of a small crowd at the Silverdome?

As a fighter, I don’t worry about that. I have to worry about a young lion that I’m getting in the ring with. I’m not worried about the ticket sales. All I know is that on January 29^th, I have to get it on with Devon Alexander and I’m ready to go.

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week, what does it mean to have two young black fighters headlining on HBO?

It’s amazing. You rarely get these opportunities, especially when you have two guys in their prime. It means a lot. It says a lot. We have come a long way since the Martin Luther King days. This guy has a dream and it still lives on today. It’s amazing.

What challenges will Devon Alexander present in the ring?

He’s young. He’s determined. He’s a good fighter, man. It’s going to be a helluva challenge for myself but I will prevail in the end.

As a fighter, do you get tired of hearing about Mayweather-Pacquiao when Bradley-Alexander could be the fight of the year?

Nah, I don’t get tired of hearing about Floyd and Manny. I want to see them go at it. I really like the position I’m in right now. I’m not too busy worrying about those guys right now. I have a lot of unfinished business at 140 pounds that I need to care of first. And then we will see what happens later on in a year or two.

If you defeat Alexander, who can we expect you to call out following the fight?

Mayweather. Pac-Man. Amir Khan.

You can defeat Devon Alexander if …

If he stands in and trades with me.

The names Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley might not ring a bell for the average sports fan.

But boxing fans have circled January 29 on their calendars in anticipation of one of the biggest fights in 2011.

The undefeated Alexander and Bradley will step in the ring Saturday night on HBO to unify their junior welterweight titles.

Just like he did last August, Alexander spoke with BET.com before his fight to discuss what challenges Bradley will present in the ring and why this fight is happening at the Silverdome in Detroit.

BET.com: How is training camp coming along?

Devon Alexander: Training is good. We are preparing to go 15 rounds. We are ready to rock and roll. We are just putting the finishing touches on camp.

What’s this about you staying in one of Don King’s houses in Las Vegas?

We are stationed here in Las Vegas in one of Don King’s houses. The one that Mike Tyson would stay at. I’m sleeping in the bed that Mike Tyson slept in. The bed is huge, so I only take up half of the bed.

What challenges will Timothy Bradley present in the ring?

He’s going to come in there and try to muscle me around. He’s just going to think that I’m not suppose to be in the ring with him. He’s bigger than me, so I’m just preparing for him to be a bully.

I asked Bradley if he had a problem fighting in St. Louis and he said yes. Would you have a problem fighting in his homestate of California?

I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind. It just depends on what my promoter and manager think. I don’t get into that. I wouldn’t mind. If you’re a real champion and say you’re a real champion, I’m the bigger draw. I can draw over 10,000 people in my hometown. Come on to my hometown if you’re a real champion.

It seems like the decision to fight at the Silverdome  and poor ticket sales is overshadowing what should be a great fight. Is that the case?

Yeah, that’s crazy. That’s poor judgment on Gary Shaw’s part. The fight could be in Alaska. This fight is more important than the Silverdome. I’m just going to come in there … two people could be in the arena. I’m just coming to get the victory.

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week, what does it mean to have two young black fighters headlining on HBO?

It means a lot. We didn’t have the right to use the same water fountains and same bathrooms, so for us to get an opportunity like this to be treated equally, it means a lot.

Do you have a relationship with Bradley outside the ring?

No, not outside the ring. I knew him as an amateur. He was a cool dude. We spoke and everything like that. Right now, it’s not hot until after the 12^th round.

As a fighter, do you get tired of hearing about Mayweather-Pacquiao when Bradley-Alexander could be the fight of the year?

Yeah, but this is boxing and they are looking at the top of the sport and the cash cows. They are going to continue to bring it up. Bradley-Alexander is going to be an excellent fight. I think it’s on the caliber of Mayweather-Pacquiao. It’s not the same money or anything like that but I think two undefeated fighters fighting is a big deal.

If you defeat Bradley, who is next?

The sky is the limit. I’m going to be the number one in the division. We are just going to have to see what happens and what my promoter and manager says.

You can beat Timothy Bradley if …

I can beat Timothy Bradley if I come in myself and follow the gameplan.

An exciting month of boxing action ends this Saturday on HBO with a trio of fights, including the undefeated Andre Berto.

The Haiti native takes on Freddy Hernandez but has his eyes set on a bigger opponent for early 2011 after HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg called out the quality of Berto’s opponents.

“Hopefully he’s right,” Berto said on Greenburg’s comments that he would be off HBO unless he fought a quality fighter. “That’s what I want. That’s something I have been barking for.”

Prior to stepping in the ring on Saturday, Berto chatted with BET.com about the recovery in Haiti and Manny Pacquiao.

BET.com: What challenges will Freddy Hernandez present in the ring?

Andre Berto: He’s a determined fighter. A tough Mexican fighter. He’s tall and has a good right hand. It’s definitely going to be something to look for.

What did you think about Bernard Hopkins comments towards Manny Pacquiao about not fighting black boxers?

I heard about it and when I thought about it, he [Manny] never really has fought or beat a black fighter. Then again, I don’t know. It’s kind of a touch subject. Manny Pacquiao is a good fighter either way it goes. He was basically just stating his opinion on it but I really don’t have too much to say on that. I would love to see it happen.

What did you take away from the Pacquiao-Margarito fight?

Mayweather has all the tools to beat him. I haven’t really seen Pacquiao fight a guy with as much speed as Mayweather and power. I don’t really know too many other fighters in the division that can really matchup with him like that but Floyd Mayweather or myself. I think he would definitely give him problems if he has someone in there just as fast and just as strong as him.

Your trainer said Floyd Mayweather would beat Pacquiao. Do you agree?

Mayweather has all the tools to beat him. I haven’t really seen Pacquiao fight a guy with as much speed as Mayweather and power. I don’t really know too many other fighters in the division that can really matchup with him like that but Floyd Mayweather or myself. I think he would definitely give him problems if he has someone in there just as fast and just as strong as him.

Would you like a shot at Pacquiao in 2011?

Yeah, definitely. Our focus is on Freddy Hernandez but I just want to fight the top come next year. I believe I’m ready and I believe I’m focused. That’s all I want to see. I want to see the Shane Mosley’s, the Cotto’s, the Pacquiao’s. I think it’s about time.

What did you think about Ross Greenburg’s comments about you fighting a big fight in 2011 or else you won’t be featured on HBO?

We are going to wait and see. Hopefully he’s right. That’s what I want. That’s something I have been barking for. I believe that a lot of the critics and a lot of the fans in general have been getting it misconstrued, thinking it’s about me not wanting to make these fights happen. Our team has been going to the table and trying to get these fights to go down. It’s not that easy.

We are approaching the 1-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Is the country headed in the right direction?

There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done. Haiti is now coming off the E. coli situation. They can’t catch a break right now but they still need tremendous help and tremendous aid. We are trying to get all the NGO’s involved in hopes of the country headed into a better direction.

The best pound-for-pound fighter in the world (Sorry, Floyd Mayweather), Manny Pacquiao, steps in the ring Saturday night (HBO PPV) in search of his eighth title in eight different weight classes, squaring off against Antonio Margarito for the WBC Super Welterweight championship.

When he’s not training for fights, Pacquiao is a congressional representative of the Sarangani province, which has been a distraction in the eyes of trainer Freddie Roach.

Distractions or no distractions, Pacquiao will be focused on the task at hand when the bell rings from Cowboys Stadium.

Pacquiao chatted with BET.com after arriving in Los Angeles from the Philippines and talks about his future in the sport of boxing and if he will ever fight Mayweather.

BET.com: How is training camp coming along?

Manny Pacquiao: It’s good. We were able to train in the Philippines for three weeks and came here for the last three weeks.

Are the reports about you having distractions in training camp accurate?

It depends on who you ask. If you ask my trainer and my conditioning coach, then yes. I think they feel there are distractions because they are not comfortable in the Philippines. They are homesick I think. For me, it’s part of my life and part of my job. It is my responsibility to do these things.

Are you and Freddie Roach on the same page in terms of training for this fight?

Yes, I think so. We have had discussions when we have been in the gym and we are doing a good job in the gym.

Any concern about the size advantage that Antonio Margarito has?

We prepared for the fight against Margarito. I think he’s a bigger fighter but my speed, quickness and power will be enough to control the fight and I will be able to show my skills.

Who is the better singer: Manny Pacquiao or Will Ferrell?

Oh my god. [Laughs] I think hopefully me. If he’s better than me … yeah. Wow. Hopefully me.  I had lots of fun. It’s my third time there [On Jimmy Kimmel].

Why do you think Amir Khan should fight Floyd Mayweather?

I think it would be a good fight for Amir. His style is fast and he has some power. He’s a good amateur boxer and Floyd was an amateur fighter.

Do you think Khan would win the fight?

Yes, I think if those two fought, it would be a great fight, but with Amir, he might win that fight.

How much longer do you see yourself fighting?

Maybe another three or four fights. It depends on who the opponents are. At this point in my career, I don’t need to fight for money. It’s more about giving back to the fans because they have been so good to me with the De La Hoya, Hatton and Cotto fights. I need to give back to the fans because they are the ones that make Manny Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao.

Is there something else you want to prove in your last 3-4 fights?

I don’t need to prove anything, anymore. I just need to keep proving to the fans that I will fight the best and I’m willing to fight whoever, whenever. Hopefully we can get the Mayweather fight done.

Is that something your camp is working on?

I don’t know. My job is to train and win the fights.

Philadelphia native Mike Jones will step in the ring on Saturday for the biggest fight in his young career, taking on Jesus Soto Karass in front of nearly 60,000 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

Jones, a former forklift operator at Home Depot, quit his job in order to focus on his boxing career. At 22-0 with 18 knockouts, Jones will be featured on the undercard for the Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito HBO pay-per-view fight on Saturday night.

Jones spoke to BET.com about how he got involved in boxing and what fighter he wants to take on in the future.

BET.com: How did you get involved in boxing?

Mike Jones: I was always good at sports. I played basketball and football. Nothing real serious though. I wanted to box so my father took me down to the Joe Frazier’s boxing gym and that’s where I started as a amateur at the age of 15. I was an amateur until 21 or 22 and then I turned pro.

Did Joe Frazier ever give you a hard time for being a bigger Muhammad Ali fan?

[Laughs] I never told him that. Joe was great. I really looked up to him.

Growing up in Philadelphia, which local boxers did you idolize?

I loved Bernard Hopkins and how he would execute his gameplan in the ring. When he fought an undefeated Felix Trinidad and how he was able to take away his power and outboxed him the whole fight before knocking him out.

Tell me about your job as a fork lifter at Home Depot:

I’m not working at Home Depot anymore. I use to work there. I stopped two fights ago. I have been stepping up in competition and I have been trying to give boxing my all.

Did you ever think a forklift operator would be fighting at Cowboys Stadium?

Yeah, actually I have. I never really pictured myself working at Home Depot. I always felt like I’m a fighter first.

As a Philadelphia Eagles fan, is fighting in Cowboys Stadium extra motivation to you?

I got so much motivation in me that I don’t think I need anymore. I’m an Eagles fan all the way and I will be wearing my Eagles hat as I come to the ring.

Do you want a shot at Andre Berto?

Most definitely. Andre Berto is a great fighter. He’s looked at as one of the top welterweights out there. That’s who I want to fight. The best.

With Manny Pacquiao preparing for Antonio Margarito this weekend on HBO pay-per-view, Floyd Mayweather was issued a restraining order by a Las Vegas court, ordering the boxer to stay away from his ex-girlfriend and two sons.

Mayweather wasn’t required in court on Tuesday when Justice of the Peace Diana Sullivan issued the order and is giving Floyd a week to pay $31,000 in bail.

If convicted on all eight misdemeanor and felony charges, Mayweather faces up to 34 years in prison.

Even though he’s not due back in court until January, the odds of Mayweather fighting Pacquiao are slipping away.

With Pacquiao slowly winding down his career and Mayweather possibly facing the end of his due to his legal trouble, it would make sense for both fighters to get in the ring as soon as possible.

Check back later this week for an exclusive interview with Manny Pacquiao, where he discusses one day taking on Mayweather in the ring.

Shane Mosley-Sergio Mora Weigh In from Marcus Vanderberg on Vimeo.

Sergio Mora weighed in at 157 pounds on Friday, three pounds overweight for his Saturday night fight against “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

Mora will be penalized 20 percent of his $200,000 purse by the California State Athletic Commission. The fight will go on as scheduled.

An hour after the initial weigh-in, Mora stepped back on the scale and came in at 153.6 pounds.

Above is video from today’s weigh-in across the street from Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

Shane Mosley was on his way to doing the unthinkable.

The 39-year-old had hurt Floyd Mayweather for the first time in his professional career during their May 1 fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And just as quickly as Mosley had rocked the undefeated Mayweather, the tables were turned and “Pretty Boy” Floyd took control of the final 10 rounds.

With the loss in the record books, Mosley returns to the ring this Saturday night at Staples Center, squaring off against Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora on HBO PPV.

Mosley talked to BET.com a day after his 39th birthday to discuss what went wrong in his fight with Mayweather and fighting on a predominately Hispanic card.

MV: How does 39 feel?

SM: I feel great. I feel good. I got up and did my road work and now I’m ready to go to the gym.

MV: Physically, how old do you feel?

SM: I feel like I’m 28, 29. Pretty young.

MV: Take me back to your fight against Floyd Mayweather. After you hurt Floyd, why did the fight take such a turn in his direction?

SM: I just got a little tired in my neck area. I couldn’t throw the right punches anymore. My punches started coming out a little slower. Read the rest of this entry »

Three weeks ago on HBO, we got a glimpse at Timothy Bradley, as he defeated Luis Carlos Abregu by unanimous decision.

On Saturday, we get to see the other star of the 140-pound division, the undefeated Devon Alexander, as he takes on Andriy Kotelnik Saturday night at 10pm EST on HBO.

A victory over Kotelnik would setup a possible Jan. 29 showdown with Bradley to see who is the real rising star at the light welterweight division.

BET.com talked to Alexander fresh off the end of his seven-week training camp in Las Vegas to discuss growing up in North St. Louis and a possible fight with Bradley.

MV: How was training camp in Las Vegas?

DA: Training for the fight was good. We left June 12 and we went until August 1. We just got back [from Las Vegas] yesterday. It went great. I have been running Mt. Charleston, which is four miles and 8,000 feet in elevation, or the equivalent of running 8.5 miles on flat ground. We were out there running the mountains and just grinding and training hard.

MV: What’s it like working with promoter Don King?

DA: It’s a blessing. Don has been with me since I was 5-0. He’s been taking care of me ever since. Now he has me as the main event on HBO at the Scottrade, one of the biggest arenas in St. Louis. I’m excited, he’s a legendary promoter and I look up to him.

MV: What was life like growing up in North St. Louis?

DA: It was rough. We grew up in North St. Louis, which is one of the worst cities in the world. We had Bloods around us. Everyday you get to go outside and see red rags and guys posted up, selling drugs, not doing anything. It was very rough but I’m surprised and blessed to make it out of that.

MV: Describe the feeling of fighting in your hometown of St. Louis:

DA: It feels good. You have more support and you know they are behind you 100 percent. It feels good and you feel protected. It feels like you don’t have to try as hard because you know you are going to have support there. You aren’t going to get any boos. You are going to have love around you.

MV: What are your thoughts on Timothy Bradley?

DA: Bradley is a good fighter. He’s a solid fighter, just like the fighter I’m fighting on Saturday. I think the guy I’m fighting on Saturday [Andriy Kotelnik] has more skills than Bradley. Bradley punches with his head down. He comes in head first sometimes and I don’t think he has finesse or skill. I know he trains hard and he’s always in shape. I think that’s the big hoopla about him. I didn’t see anything that I need to be worried about. I’m looking forward to a fight with him but we will see what happens.

MV: Is Bradley the fighter you want next?

DA: That’s the fight the fans want and they are saying we are arguably the best 140-pounds in the world and the division. If he steps in the way of becoming the best 140-pounder hands down, then yes, I want him to be next.

MV: Is the 140-pound division the deepest at the moment?

DA: Yeah, at the moment. We have the most talent and we have a lot of people coming up and willing to come down to be in the mix at 140. You have some monster talent in this division and it’s making a lot of noise. People are starting to notice it.

MV: What runs through your head as you’re on the cusp of superstardom with a victory on Saturday?

DA: Well, I’m normal. I’m just like I was with the Urango fight. I’m relaxing. I’m just staying focused and sticking to the game plan. Nothing is different. Kotelnik is going to come to fight. We have a different game plan for Kotelnik. So I’m just relaxed and all pumped up and ready to go.