Trump brings Mike Tyson on stage at Syracuse rally for Bruce Blakeman President Donald Trump campaigned for Republican New York governor candidate Bruce Blakeman in Syracuse on Oct. 9, 2026, bringing former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on stage and joking that Tyson serves as Blakeman's personal security. President Donald Trump brought former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson on stage during a campaign rally at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse, New York, on Oct. 9, 2026. Trump was in his home state of New York to campaign for Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for the state's gubernatorial election, and other Republican candidates in November's general election. Tyson visited the White House earlier in the day and took the trip to Syracuse on Air Force One alongside Trump, according to the report. When Trump spotted Tyson in the audience, he told the crowd he would never step into the ring with the former champion.Trump said: I see somebody in the audience that I will never fight, I promise. 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 his people would all be holding him back. He wanted to kill whoever it was.He was a very dangerous person actually, and he was one of the greatest fighters in history, Trump added. Trump then cracked a joke that Tyson was there to protect Blakeman, saying: 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.Tyson thanks Trump on stageLater in the rally, Tyson was called up on stage, where he thanked the president and the crowd. 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. As Tyson left the stage, Trump praised the former champion again, saying: 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. What the hell are you doing, Mike? Trump also mentioned New York Yankees president Randy Levine during his remarks, two days after the Bombers were swept in the American League Division Series.Hurricane Isaias disrupts rally scheduleTrump made mention of the postseason loss but joked that it didn't matter, because he's won so much, it's not going to matter. The rally trip came before Trump was originally slated to attend Saturday's Alabama-Georgia game in Tuscaloosa, but Hurricane Isaias ruined those plans, the White House said. The storm forced numerous college football games to have changes, including a cancellation, and was downgraded to Category 1 as it moved inland.The event drew attention as Trump campaigns for Blakeman ahead of the November general election in New York, where Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is also in the race. Tyson, one of the most recognizable figures in boxing history, appeared alongside Trump at the Syracuse rally after his White House visit earlier that day. Trump's appearance in Syracuse marked a return to his home state for a political event supporting Republican candidates on the ballot this fall.