Boxing Legend Mike Tyson Joins Trump On Campaign Trail

President Donald Trump brought boxing legend Mike Tyson onto the stage at a packed rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, giving supporters a surprise guest and a break from the evening’s political speeches.

Trump, who has known Tyson for nearly four decades, praised the former heavyweight champion’s fearsome reputation before inviting him to speak. Tyson had spent part of the day at the White House and traveled with Trump aboard Marine One and Air Force One to Syracuse.

The rally was held in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who is challenging Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in November. Trump paused his remarks when he spotted Brooklyn-born Tyson standing near Blakeman.

“I see somebody in the audience that I will never fight, I promise,” Trump told the crowd.

The president recalled Tyson’s championship years and the force he brought into the ring.

“But I remember when Mike was in his prime, when he was the heavyweight champion of the world. He’d stand in the corner, and all of his people would be holding him back,” Trump said.

“He was a very dangerous person actually, and he was one of the greatest fighters in history.”

Trump then joked that Blakeman had chosen his spot wisely.

“I see him standing right next to Bruce Blakeman. Bruce wants a little protection, he’s got the right guy,” Trump said. “Bruce knows who to stand near.”

Trump invited Tyson onto the stage, where the two shook hands. Tyson kept his remarks short but voiced his support for the president.

“Thank you very much. I’m just happy to be here with my president, President Trump,” Tyson told the crowd.

“And there’s no way in the world I would ever be here if it wasn’t for a president like Donald Trump.”

Trump smiled and continued praising the former champion.

“I watched him get in the ring many times. He was a scary guy,” the president said.

He also teased Tyson about his appearance.

“I think he looks better now than he did 30 years ago,” Trump said.

Tyson’s visit began earlier Friday, when he made an appearance in the White House briefing room. Asked whether Republicans would prevail in the midterm elections, he replied, “I think Donald Trump will win.”

Trump is not on the November ballot, but he has urged supporters to view the congressional elections as a referendum on his administration.

Later, Tyson joined Trump outside the White House before their trip north. Trump joked with reporters about the prospect of boxing his longtime friend.

“I won’t be fighting him today,” the president said.

The two boarded Marine One and flew to Joint Base Andrews, where they transferred to Air Force One for Syracuse. New York Yankees President Randy Levine accompanied them, along with administration officials and Republican lawmakers. The presidential aircraft arrived shortly before 7 p.m.

Trump and Tyson first became acquainted in the late 1980s, when Trump owned casinos in Atlantic City and Tyson was rapidly rising in heavyweight boxing. Several major fights took place at venues associated with Trump.

One of Tyson’s most memorable victories came in June 1988, when he knocked out previously unbeaten heavyweight champion Michael Spinks in 91 seconds at Atlantic City Convention Hall. Trump helped promote the widely publicized fight, which generated significant revenue.

Tyson went on to become one of the world’s best-known athletes. He finished his professional career with 50 victories, including 44 knockouts, and seven losses. In November 1986, at age 20, he became boxing’s youngest heavyweight champion by defeating Trevor Berbick.