Shaquille O'Neal's much-anticipated return to the boxing ring has evoked memories of his plans for an incredible NBA vs NFL event in the sport.
The basketball legend has a long and fascinating relationship with combat sports, and now he has accepted a challenge to fight the former bodyguard of one of Hollywood’s most famous faces.
O'Neal was challenged by Charlie Mack, a well-known name in the music industry and the former bodyguard of Men in Black and I Am Legend star Will Smith.
Mack challenged Shaq to a boxing match to settle a long-term beef, and the NBA Hall of Famer accepted in a video posted on his Instagram.
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“Hey celebrity boxing and Charlie Mack, I accept,’’ said O’Neal.
“You name the time and place, I’ll be there.
“Diesel don’t run from nobody.’’
Mack responded to the news that the former LA Lakers star had accepted his challenge by sharing a promotional poster he had produced on Instagram.
The poster was accompanied by a caption stating that further details about the fight would be released soon.
“So I call Big Fella @shaq out yesterday & he accepted as I knew he would!!!!,” read the caption.
“We’ve been talking about it way too long, now we MUST get it ON!!!!!!!!
“The details will come soon from The Best Celebrity Boxer promoter.”
However, this will not be the first time that Shaq has found himself involved in combat sports.
Since starting mixed martial arts training in 2000, O'Neal has spoken about his desire to face 7ft 3in kickboxer Choi Hong-man as well as an MMA bout with Jose Canseco, but neither of these came to fruition.
Shaq was also the star of the television show Shaq Vs., with the basketball legend facing off against other athletes in their chosen sport as the format of the TV series.
During filming, he sparred with boxers Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley, losing both fights via unanimous decision.
He has also made appearances for professional wrestling promotions WWE, WCW, TNA and AEW.
In light of Mack's challenge to the NBA legend, it's worth noting that O'Neal has already hinted at his desire to arrange a boxing event where stars of the NBA and the NFL will go head-to-head.
The 53-year-old announced the news during the broadcast of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul on Netflix while appearing alongside NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, saying: “Me and Gronk gonna put together NBA vs NFL,” Shaq announced. “Coming soon. I’m talking boxing, fighting, football, basketball.”
Gronkowski, looking slightly perplexed, asked: “Are we talking current players vs retired players or active players vs active players?”
“Either or, but we’re gonna do it," Shaq replied, before the conversation escalated. “I just thought of it because me and Gronk are good friends, and he challenged me to a fight,” Shaq laughed.
Gronkowski didn't back down and said with a grin: “I’m not really your friend. I’m ready to fight your ass.”
Topics: Shaquille ONeal, Boxing, NBA, NFL
Jonathan Bray