‘Somebody I Will Never Fight’: Trump Brings Mike Tyson on Stage at Syracuse Rally

US President Donald Trump brought Mike Tyson on stage at a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, joking that the former heavyweight champion was one person he would never challenge to a fight.

Speaking at an event supporting Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, Trump recalled watching Tyson in his prime and the fear he inspired in opponents.

“I see somebody in the audience that I will never fight, I promise,” Trump said, according to Fox News.

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

Trump called Tyson “one of the greatest fighters in history” before turning his attention to the boxer’s proximity to Blakeman, who is challenging incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul.

‘BRUCE KNOWS WHO TO STAND NEAR’

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

Tyson had accompanied Trump to Syracuse after visiting the White House earlier in the day. Taking the stage, he expressed his support for the president.

“Thank you very much. I’m just happy to be here with my president, President Trump, and there’s no way in the world I would ever be here if it wasn’t for a president like Donald Trump. Thank you,” Tyson said, according to Fox News.

As Tyson left the stage, Trump returned to his memories of watching the boxer compete.

“I watched him get in the ring many times. He was a scary guy. I think he looks better now than he did 30 years ago,” Trump said, before asking: “What the hell are you doing, Mike?”

BOXING STAR JOINS CAMPAIGN EVENT

Tyson, 60, became the youngest boxer to win a world heavyweight title at 20 and later became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the three-belt era.

His aggressive style and knockout power made him one of boxing’s most recognisable figures, with victories over opponents including Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Frank Bruno.

New York Yankees president Randy Levine also attended the rally. Trump briefly acknowledged the team’s recent postseason disappointment following its American League Division Series sweep, while pointing to the franchise’s history of success.

The Syracuse visit formed part of Trump’s campaign support for Blakeman’s bid to unseat Hochul, who has served as New York governor since August 2021.

With inputs from ANI