Ted Pryor, a former bodyguard of Elvis Presley, has released a new book detailing his life story, which includes his time as a kickboxer, drug smuggler, and business icon. Pryor was hired by Presley in the 1970s to be one of his bodyguards on his final tour before his death. At the time, Pryor was a super middleweight kickboxing champion and had trained with notable figures such as Chuck Norris and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Pryor’s stint as Elvis’s bodyguard was marked by encounters with zealous fans who would rush the stage, and he would use his martial arts skills to subdue them. He also had to fend off men who would try to get to Presley, including one woman who used a scarf given to her by Presley to choke Pryor.
After Presley’s death, Pryor’s life took a dark turn. At the age of 20, he was arrested and charged with drug smuggling after being caught with 32,000 pounds of marijuana in his car and boatyard. He was initially set free, but was later re-indicted and served 90 days of an 18-month prison sentence.
Despite his criminal past, Pryor went on to found Children of America, an educational childcare provider that operates 70 locations in over 10 states and cares for nearly 10,000 children. Pryor’s son now runs the company, but Pryor remains the founder.
In his book, “Three-Time World Champ: The Death-Defying True Story of a Kickboxer Turned Drug Smuggler… Turned Business Icon,” Pryor details his life story, including his time as a drug smuggler and his journey to becoming a successful businessman. The book is a testament to Pryor’s resilience and determination to turn his life around and make a positive impact on the world.
