Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is backing Donald Trump in the billionaire’s bid to become US president.

Tyson issued his endorsement late on Monday, 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 he was 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."