WASHINGTON — Boxing great Evander Holyfield is set to travel to South Carolina with President Trump on Wednesday afternoon, as Republicans look to land a decisive blow in the midterm elections, The Post has learned.
Holyfield and Trump have maintained a friendship for years, dating back to Trump’s time as a New York real estate developer. In 2021, Trump and his eldest son, Don Jr., joined as guest commentators for the Triller Fight Club pay-per-view bout between Holyfield and Vitor Belfort.
“I love great fighters and great fights,” Trump said at the time.
The match, however, ended badly for Holyfield. He returned to the ring as a last-minute substitute for Oscar De La Hoya, who had tested positive for COVID-19, but was stopped by Belfort via technical knockout.
Trump has long been a boxing enthusiast. During the 1980s and 1990s, he hosted numerous fights at his casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Now 64, Holyfield is a former heavyweight champion and a Southerner who was born in Alabama and raised in Georgia. He is perhaps best remembered for defeating Mike Tyson twice, including the notorious 1997 bout in which Tyson bit his ear.
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Trump plans to hold a campaign rally in Clemson for Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who is seeking to win outright the seat once held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. She was appointed to the position following his death in June.
The president has been among Graham’s most vocal supporters, backing her appointment and later endorsing her in a special Republican primary against several opponents with greater political experience.
Lindsey Graham had been widely expected to win reelection with ease, but his death dramatically reshaped the race. His sister has since faced scrutiny over whether she is prepared for the demands of the job.
South Carolina nevertheless remains a reliable Republican stronghold. Trump carried the state by nearly 18 percentage points in the presidential election.
The president is holding a campaign rally each day this week as he works to preserve Republican control of Congress. He has also been highlighting high-profile athletes along the way; NASCAR legend Richard Petty joined Trump at an event in North Carolina on Tuesday.
Trump is scheduled to visit Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas in the days ahead.