Donald Trump jokes about fighting Mike Tyson during surreal joint appearance

0Mike Tyson departed the White House by helicopter alongside Donald Trump (Image: Can Hasasu/Anadolu via Getty Images)Donald Trump commands immense influence globally and has spent years alongside elite athletes, yet even the US President recognizes it would be smart not to challenge Mike Tyson, despite the heavyweight boxing legend remaining virtually motionless during his stoic appearance.

Tyson joined Trump on Friday, with camera flashes erupting and journalists calling out questions as the pair exited the White House. The former boxing champion walked alongside Trump in near silence throughout their departure. Dressed in a business suit, Tyson maintained the same intimidating expression that defined his Iron Mike era while Trump answered questions before departing for New York.

"This is Iron Mike Tyson," Trump announced, introducing the boxer who hardly required one. "I won't be fighting him today, but I've been his fan for a long time."

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The boxer remained expressionless and motionless as Trump addressed the crowd. Eventually, Tyson raised his hands toward the assembled group, encircled by a swarm of photographers and journalists, reports the Mirror US.

Trump outlined his New York political agenda, discussing his support for Republican candidates ahead of upcoming elections. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is mounting a challenge against sitting Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Throughout the interaction, Tyson remained at Trump's side without speaking or approaching the press. The relationship between Trump and Tyson dates back to his competitive years in Atlantic City during the mid-1980s.

Trump previously hosted Tyson's 1988 title bout against Michael Spinks at Trump Plaza, and the two have recently partied at the White House and appeared together at UFC 287 and UFC 316.

The President was also among numerous public figures who weighed in on Tyson's Netflix fight, which ultimately ended in a loss to Jake Paul.

"Mike was fantastic but, you know, Mike's a little older now and you guys can fight," he remarked to Logan Paul on Impaulsive. Contractual issues and a right-hand injury have delayed Tyson's exhibition match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. indefinitely.

Originally scheduled for May 30, then rescheduled to September 28, the fight at American Airlines Center in Dallas still lacks a confirmed date. In a recent interview with Andy Cohen, Tyson revealed that Sean "Diddy" Combs had asked him to deliver a letter to Trump as part of a presidential clemency appeal.

"He wanted me to give a letter to the president," Tyson stated on SiriusXM. When Cohen inquired whether he had delivered it, Tyson responded: "I did what he told me to do." Combs is currently serving a 50-month federal sentence following his 2025 conviction on two counts related to transportation for prostitution.