Hall of Famer and 15-time NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to step into the ring for a celebrity boxing match against Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, a former bodyguard for actor Will Smith.
According to Mack, their beef dates back years. “We were in Dallas doing an autograph signing, and he came and tried to jump in front of the line,” Mack said on Instagram. “I chopped him in his neck so he could 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.”
O’Neal responded directly in the comments. “I accept, let’s do it,” he wrote. He later doubled down with his own Instagram video: “You chopped 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. You better check my police record, Charlie Mack.”
O’Neal, 53, is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world following a dominant NBA career with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. He has also stepped into the boxing ring before, taking on legends Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley in exhibition bouts.
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