Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life persona is stepping out of the paint and into the boxing ring. The 53-year-old NBA Hall of Famer has officially agreed to a celebrity boxing match against Philadelphia cultural icon Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, reigniting a feud that has simmered for years.
The challenge came when Mack, a longtime figure in Philly’s music and entertainment scene and once a bodyguard for Will Smith, took to Instagram with a public callout. Sitting next to Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon Feldman, Mack looked into the camera and said:
"I'm making an open call to Shaquille O'Neal... Well, Shaq, remember I'm telling everybody, I'm saying he's 13 years old. I chopped him in his neck. You know, he came to an autograph signing."
"We were in Dallas doing an autograph signing and they came, we tried to jump in the front of the line. I chopped him in his neck, told him to get back. So listen, I'm giving you an opportunity to kind of settle the difference."
"Me and you, baby, super heavyweight... I’m calling you ‘Sha-knocked out.’ That’s what you’re gonna be. Let's go."
The video went viral immediately, with fans tagging Shaq to respond. The Diesel wasted no time. In the comments section, O’Neal simply wrote, “Let’s do it.” Hours later, he doubled down with an official Instagram video of his own, laughing into the camera:
"Hey, it's Celebrity Boxing and Charlie Mack. I accept. You did chop me in my neck, Charlie Mack. That's why I talk so funny. Payback time. You name the time and place, I'll be there. Diesel don't run from nobody."
"See that? That's how fast I am. Heh heh heh heh. Better check my police record, Charlie Mack. Heh heh heh heh. See? That's how fast I am."
According to Mack, their bad blood goes back decades to that autograph signing in Dallas. While it may sound petty, the incident clearly stuck with both men. Shaq, never one to shy away from entertainment or settling scores in the spotlight, is treating this fight as the chance for a playful but emphatic “revenge” moment.
Though he’s best known for dominating NBA paint, this won’t be Shaq’s first time lacing up gloves. Back in 2009 and 2010, O’Neal participated in exhibition matches against Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley. He lost both bouts, but those events were pure entertainment, more friendly showcases than real fights.
This time, however, things may carry a bit more bite. Shaq, who played at a listed 325 pounds during his NBA career, towers at 7’1”. Mack is no small man himself, standing around 6’6” and reportedly weighing close to 290 pounds.
With both men falling into the “super heavyweight” category, the spectacle will be as much about size and personality as actual boxing technique.
The fight is set to be promoted by Official Celebrity Boxing, an outfit known for staging wild crossover bouts featuring names like Lamar Odom, Jose Canseco, and even Tonya Harding. Details such as the venue and date are yet to be announced, but Mack hinted on his Instagram that posters are already being mocked up to hype the event.
With Shaq’s involvement, this could be the biggest fight in the promotion’s history. The combination of NBA royalty, Philadelphia culture, and decades-old beef guarantees attention.
Still, one thing is clear: Shaquille O’Neal knows how to make headlines. From NBA dominance to DJ stardom, from movie appearances to TNT commentary, Shaq has built a brand on being everywhere at once. Now, he’s about to add celebrity boxing to that list, with Mack serving as the foil for his “payback.”
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