NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is set to step into the ring once again for a celebrity match against Charlie Mack, a former security guard for actor Will Smith.
The news has generated huge hype among basketball, acting and boxing fans, and O’Neal’s son, Myles O’Neal, posted his honest reaction to the announcement.
Myles O’Neal shares concerns and support
In an exclusive conversation with ‘TMZ Sports‘ at Los Angeles International Airport, Myles expressed a mixture of concern and pride.
“I worry about him every day,” said Myles, highlighting the physical demands Shaq faces at 53 years old. Despite his apprehension, Myles also voiced unwavering support: “I’ll support him. I’ll help train, stuff like that.”
Myles’ reaction was the most favored among fans, with both the paternal protective instincts of a son and admiration for Shaq’s persistent involvement in sports and entertainment.
Shaq’s experience in combat sports
Shaquille O’Neal is familiar with the ring. He played exhibition bouts of boxing against champions Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley in 2009 and 2010 respectively, which showed he had some combat sports background despite his principal career as a basketball player.
Aside from boxing, Shaq tested the waters in professional wrestling when he took part in a tag-team match for an AEW show in 2021, showing his wide experience in live events and combat sports.
These actions give background to the battle against Charlie Mack, showing that even with the publicity of the event, Shaq is far from being rookie in scripted and non-scripted combat sports.
The upcoming match
This celebrity match will take place in Las Vegas but no date and location have yet been announced by officials. With expectations high, fans are waiting to see how Shaq’s stature, athleticism, and past fighting experience do in the world of boxing.
Experts in the industry point out that celebrity brawls in the ring have become more popular over the past few years, and Shaq’s participation brings more glamour and media publicity to the operation.
Family reaction and public interest
Myles O’Neal’s response provides hints at the balance that the Jackson family members maintain between celebrity boxing and genuine concern for safety as human beings. Fans and commentators have praised his honest response, citing both family loyalty and pragmatism involved in a physical demanding sport at an advanced age.
Shaq’s return to the boxing ring is top on social media discussions, where enthusiasts are sharing views, predictions, and even memes to celebrate the cultural moment. His retired NBA legend status guarantees that the event will attract maximum media attention, on behalf of sports, entertainment, and celebrity culture.
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