US President Donald Trump joked about legendary boxer Mike Tyson's fearsome reputation in the ring during a rally in Syracuse, New York. Trump recalled how Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, intimidated his opponents and said he would never want to fight him. Trump brought Tyson on stage during the rally, where he was campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.
Trump praised Tyson, saying he was one of the greatest fighters in history. He recalled watching Tyson compete during his prime, saying Tyson would stand in the corner and his people would all be holding him back, wanting to kill whoever it was. Trump also joked that Tyson's presence could offer protection to Blakeman, who is challenging incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in New York's gubernatorial election.
Tyson, who accompanied Trump to Syracuse after visiting the White House earlier in the day, expressed his support for the US President when he took the stage. Tyson thanked Trump for having him and said he was happy to be there with the president. Trump and Tyson were also joined at the rally by New York Yankees president Randy Levine.
The President briefly referred to the Yankees' recent postseason disappointment after the team was swept in the American League Division Series. However, he played down its significance given the franchise's history of success. The Syracuse appearance was part of Trump's campaign support for Blakeman, who is seeking to unseat Hochul, the state's governor since August 2021.
Tyson, 60, is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. He became the youngest boxer to win a world heavyweight title at the age of 20 and went on to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the three-belt era. Tyson recorded 50 professional victories, including 44 by knockout, before retiring in 2005.
Trump's rally in Syracuse was a campaign event for Blakeman, who is challenging Hochul in the gubernatorial election. Hochul has been the state's governor since August 2021. Trump's appearance was also an opportunity for him to praise Tyson, who has been a significant figure in the world of boxing for decades.
As Tyson left the stage, Trump continued to praise the former heavyweight champion while joking about his appearance. Trump said he watched Tyson get in the ring many times and that he was a scary guy, but added that he thinks Tyson looks better now than he did 30 years ago.
Key points
- US President Donald Trump joked about Mike Tyson's fearsome reputation at a rally in Syracuse, New York.
- Tyson, 60, is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history.
- The Syracuse appearance was part of Trump's campaign support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.
