Multiple protesters were removed from Donald Trump’s rally at South Carolina’s Clemson University on Wednesday, including one who was apparently punched by a rally attender – to the US president’s delight.

“That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that,” Trump said. “That was incredible. Wow. That was unbelievable. Is everybody OK?

“Who’s the guy that threw that punch?” he continued. “You know, you reminded me of Evander, the real deal, Holyfield,” referring to the former heavyweight champion, who was also in attendance at the rally.

“You gotta give them credit. It takes courage to do that at a Trump rally,” he said. “He got whacked.”

According to a pool report, the president was interrupted at least nine times by hecklers. The crowd chanted “USA” as security guards escorted the ​protesters out of the arena.

One protester who was removed by security was followed by a rally attendee, who appeared to slap the demonstrator on the head.

Trump was in South Carolina to support Darline Graham, the sister of late senator Lindsey Graham who died suddenly in July from a heart condition. Graham, elected to her brother’s seat in a special election, is facing Democratic challenger Annie Andrews in her bid for a full six-year term.

Protests have frequently erupted at Trump rallies in recent weeks, as the president has ramped up his campaign stops in the final weeks before the 3 November midterm elections. The president often brushes off the demonstrations as being carried out by “paid protesters”.

Trump’s 32-day campaign blitz has largely taken him to Republican-leaning areas that he won comfortably in previous elections, underscoring the challenges facing Republicans as they try to retain control of the US Senate and the House of Representatives.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, published on Monday, found that 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in office, a record low for the president.

Reuters contributed reporting