09 September 2021

A Very Special Event

Ring-side > The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been revealed as the special guest commentator for this weekend's boxing event between former world champ Evander Holyfield and ex-UFC star Vitor Belfort in Florida.

‘Is this real?’: Fans react as Donald Trump unveiled as guest announcer to provide ‘unfiltered commentary’ for boxing bout    

Trump, who has long placed himself in the orbit of combat sports throughout his extensive public career, will take the mic for the September 11 fight between the two veteran fighters in what will be Holyfield's first outing in the ring in over a decade against MMA veteran Belfort. 

The former president will be joined in the commentary booth by his son Donald Trump Jr., with promoters FITE TV promising that the Trumps will provide analysis on the event they are dubbing as "no holds barred" and saying that the duo will "give an unfiltered boxing commentary" throughout the eight-round professional fight.

Trump – who has so far remained tight-lipped regarding his potential candidacy for the 2024 presidential election – remains a popular figure in his adopted home state of Florida, and it is thought that his addition to the event will prompt one last surge of ticket and pay-per-view sales in what is boxing's latest attempt at monetizing nostalgia. 

Fans reacted after Trump was revealed as a guest announcer. © USA Today Sport

‘Is this real?’: Fans react as Donald Trump unveiled as guest announcer to provide ‘unfiltered commentary’ for boxing bout    

". . .I love great fighters and great fights," said Trump of his commentary debut. "I look forward to seeing both this Saturday night and sharing my thoughts ringside. You won’t want to miss this special event."

The addition of the controversial former Commander in Chief will no doubt be a boost to the promoters, who were forced to grapple with the late pullout from the event of Oscar De La Hoya where 'The Golden Boy' was due to make his own ring return against Belfort.

However, the former multiple division world champion was forced to withdraw from the contest after contracting Covid-19 – with Holyfield, who had been in training for his own comeback, drafted in to fill the void. 

While it is unclear what – if any – type of notable analysis might be contributed by the Trumps on Saturday night, the former President has had a long association with combat sports over the years. . ."

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Trump – who has so far remained tight-lipped regarding his potential candidacy for the 2024 presidential election – remains a popular figure in his adopted home state of Florida, and it is thought that his addition to the event will prompt one last surge of ticket and pay-per-view sales in what is boxing's latest attempt at monetizing nostalgia. 

 

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