Shaquille O’Neal is preparing for a return to the ring after accepting a challenge from Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, best known as a longtime bodyguard for actor Will Smith.
The 52-year-old NBA Hall of Famer and cultural icon confirmed his decision through Instagram, reigniting an old feud with Alston and setting up an unlikely celebrity boxing storyline.
The dispute traces back to a public appearance years ago, when, according to Charles, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ legend, who won four championships, attempted to move ahead in an autograph line.
“We were in Dallas doing an autograph signing, and (Shaq) came and tried to jump in front of the line,” Mack recalled. “I chopped him in his neck so he could get back.”
That encounter became the spark for the latest development. Appearing with Celebrity Boxing CEO Damon Feldman, Alston issued a public challenge, which O’Neal swiftly accepted. The former center responded with his trademark bravado.
“You chopped me in my neck, Charlie Mack,” O’Neal said. “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.”
Shaq has previously entered the ring on two occasions, both exhibition bouts against Sugar Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya, both whilst he was still a professional hooper in the big leagues.
both ended in defeat, but the contests underscored his willingness to step outside traditional basketball arenas and into crossover entertainment so it’s no shock that Celebrity Boxing, a promotion specializing in novelty bouts, will oversee the matchup. A date is yet to be booked.
Shaq lands Halloween partnership with amusement park
While Shaq prepares for the boxing ring, he is also branching further into entertainment partnerships as Hersheypark has revealed a collaboration with the four-time NBA champion for its Halloween and Dark Nights experience.
The fun will begin on September 12 and will run through November 2, and will see the park’s Laff Trakk indoor coaster into the Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk, inspired by O’Neal‘s Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, created with The Hershey Company.
“We’re taking the flavour and the fun of my Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies and blowing it up into a larger-than-life adventure,” O’Neal said. “From the second you step inside; this ride brings non-stop energy and laughs.”
The ride overlay will incorporate glowing visuals, enhanced audio, immersive lighting, and even voiceover work from the ex-athlete himself. According to Hersheypark, it marks the first such overlay in the park’s history.
“Get ready for a bigger, bolder, XL ride,” Vikki Hultquist, Vice President of Hersheypark and Entertainment Operations, said. “Through a Shaq-ified world of giant glowing gummies, bass-pumping beats and over-the-top fruit-flavoured mayhem at Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk.”
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