Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has stepped into the political ring, firmly backing Donald Trump in the billionaire tycoon’s bid for the White House in 2016.

Tyson issued his endorsement late Monday on HuffPost Live, saying he would like to see a business-minded commander in chief after eight years of President Barack Obama.

“He should be president of the United States, that’s what he should be,” Tyson said when asked his opinion of Trump.

“Let’s try something new. Let’s run America like a business, where no colors matter,” he added. “Whoever can do the job, gets the job.”

The two celebrity figures have known each other for decades.

Trump hosted the title bout — all 91 seconds of it — between a victorious Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks in Atlantic City in 1988. He has also served as a financial advisor for the boxer, according to the New York Times.

Asked if he was endorsing The Donald, Tyson did not hesitate.

“I would, yeah. I like Trump,” he said.

Trump seized on the publicity, tweeting overnight: “Thanks Iron Mike, greatly appreciated!”

Many see the early months of the primary race as Round 1 in a 12-round title bout that climaxes on election day November 8, 2016.

Trump squares off Wednesday night against nine Republican rivals in their third nationally televised debate of the primary season.

Enjoy this piece?

… then let us make a small request. Like you, we here at Raw Story believe in the power of progressive journalism. Raw Story readers power David Cay Johnston’s DCReport, which we've expanded to keep watch in Washington. We’ve exposed billionaire tax evasion and uncovered White House efforts to poison our water. We’ve revealed financial scams that prey on veterans, and legal efforts to harm workers exploited by abusive bosses. And unlike other news outlets, we’ve decided to make our original content free. But we need your support to do what we do.

Raw Story is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. Unhinged from billionaires and corporate overlords, we fight to ensure no one is forgotten.

We need your support to deepen our investigative reporting. Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Invest with us in the future. Make a one-time contribution to Raw Story Investigates, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click to donate by check.

Enjoy this piece?

… then let us make a small request. Like you, we here at Raw Story believe in the power of progressive journalism — and we’re investing in investigative reporting as other publications give it the ax. Raw Story readers power David Cay Johnston’s DCReport, which we've expanded to keep watch in Washington. We’ve exposed billionaire tax evasion and uncovered White House efforts to poison our water. We’ve revealed financial scams that prey on veterans, and efforts to harm workers exploited by abusive bosses. We need your support to do what we do.

Raw Story is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. Unhinged from corporate overlords, we fight to ensure no one is forgotten.

We need your support to keep producing quality journalism and deepen our investigative reporting. Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Invest with us in the future. Make a one-time contribution to Raw Story Investigates, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you.