“I’m voting for Trump so what’s somebody gonna do about it”: Mike Tyson’s Relationship With Donald Trump Way Back When He Was in His Boxing Prime
- Donald Trump and Mike Tyson's relationship began with Trump promoting many of Tyson's major fights.
- Tyson has been a vocal supporter of Trump, backing him during his presidential run.
- When Tyson was convicted in 1992, Trump defended him, which further strengthened their bond.
The 2024 U.S. presidential elections are heating up. After President Joe Biden stepped down, it is now between former President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris from the Democratic side. As Harris got her support from Taylor Swift, Trump has a longtime supporter, too.
Mike Tyson and Trump’s relationship is pretty well known to their followers. Both have been part of controversies in their personal lives and careers, but their relationship is something that has stood the test of time.
The Origins of Trump and Tyson’s Relationship
Donald Trump and Mike Tyson‘s relationship began in the 1980s when Trump was building his real estate empire and Tyson was dominating the boxing world. At the time, Trump’s Atlantic City hotels used to host many of Tyson’s fights.
Trump was also expanding his casino business at that time, and Tyson was at the peak of his boxing career after becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20. Their partnership benefited both. Trump promoted Tyson’s fights at his venues, and Tyson used his stardom to generate huge revenue.
One of their most notable events was the 1988 fight between Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks. Trump promoted the fight at his Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. The fight is still remembered to this day, thanks to Tyson knocking out the then-undefeated Spinks in just 91 seconds.
It generated millions of dollars in revenue and solidified Trump’s position as a successful promoter in the boxing world. Tyson later hired Trump as his chief strategist and financial adviser.
Although their business partnership didn’t last long after that, their friendship definitely did. Tyson often praised Trump for his loyalty, and in a resurfaced 2015 podcast with Hot 97, Tyson also voiced his support for Trump’s presidential bid, saying, “I’m voting for Trump, so what’s somebody’s gonna do about it?”
In a 2016 interview with The Daily Caller, Tyson talked about how different Trump was towards him as compared to other presidents. He said,
I’m a black mother* from the poorest town in the country. I’ve been through a lot in life. And I know him. When I see him, he shakes my hand and respects my family. None of them- Barack, whoever- nobody else does that. They’re gonna be who they are and disregard me, my family.
In return, Trump has always spoken highly of Tyson, his fighting skills, and the challenges he faced throughout his life. However, their relationship was considered controversial, particularly when it came to Tyson’s legal troubles in the 1990s.
Donald Trump Supported Mike Tyson During His Conviction
In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of a r*pe crime. The whole case was heavily publicized, and Tyson was sentenced to prison for 6 years. Many of Tyson’s well-wishers distanced themselves from the case at the time, but Trump remained his vocal supporter.
In a radio interview with Howard Stern shortly after the conviction (via CNN), Trump called the verdict a “travesty” and said that Tyson had been unfairly treated by the justice system. Trump even talked about a controversial plan to allow Tyson to fight while serving his sentence. He said in Late Show with David Letterman,
Mike Tyson was greeted at his door at 1:00 in the morning by a woman he then…it’s ridiculous. The woman was dancing at 8:00 and this guy’s in jail for 6 years. I don’t understand it. I think it’s wrong. I think one of the worst defense lawyers I’ve ever seen. This was the worst defense.
I mean their defense essentially was that anybody that goes out with Mike Tyson knows she’s going to be r*ped. This is his defense. I think Mike Tyson should supply millions and millions and millions of dollars to victims and I think that’s a hell of a lot better than him sitting in a jail house for 6 years doing nothing.
Trump’s support during Tyson’s tough times further cemented their bond. As the 2024 presidential elections are going on, Trump is once again in the spotlight, and Tyson has always found ways to support him without the fear of public scrutiny.
