NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal teased an unprecedented crossover event as he joined NFL legend Rob Gronkowski on Netflix's live broadcast of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul.
A host of high-profile names attended the much-anticipated event at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday night, including some of boxing's all-time greats.
Lennox Lewis was joined in the studio by four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who memorably had a chunk of his right ear bitten off during a rematch against Tyson in 1997.
The great Sugar Ray Leonard, a former five-division world champion, was also in attendance alongside two of the biggest personalities in American sports; Shaquille O’Neal and Rob Gronkowski.
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In fact, Gronk and Shaq dropped by on Netflix's live broadcast on Friday night, where the latter proposed crossover events involving NBA and NFL players.
“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.”
Later on in the night, Paul extended his professional record to 11-1 with a comfortable points victory over Tyson.
Tyson started the contest strongly, winning the opening two rounds but he inevitably tired in the latter stages. In fact, Paul admitted that he intentionally held off in the closing rounds out of respect for Tyson, and even ignored an instruction from his corner.
Speaking in the ring after his victory, Paul said it was an “honor” to fight “legend” Tyson. He added: “I look up to him, this man is such an icon.”
As a result of Paul's win, Shaquille O’Neal lost $1 million after betting on Tyson to have his hand raised.
Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show this week, Shaq said: "I'm placing one [a bet] this weekend. Mike Tyson baby. All the way."
After being pressed about the amount, he replied: “A lot… $1 million.”
Topics: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Shaquille ONeal, NBA, NFL
Jack Kenmare