From boxing matches to cookbooks to George Foreman-esque grills, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has been on a mission to complete every side quest possible. And it looks like there might just be another boxing match waiting for him. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick ‘Big Daddy’ Bowe (43-1-1, 33 KOs) and his trainer, Jonathan Felton, recently called out a host of celebrities, including Shaq, for a celebrity tango inside the ring.
Bowe’s latest outing on Instagram has certainly gotten boxing aficionados to the edge of their seats. ‘Big Daddy’ appeared with Damon Feldman, the founder and CEO of Official Celebrity Boxing, and Felton.
As he stood by the heavyweight superstar’s side, Feldman informed fans about plans for a sensational Celebrity Boxing Match in Orlando, Florida, and asked the duo to pick Bowe’s opponent. With the NBA season in full swing, Felton sure knew who he’d pick.
“Ok, right now, since this is the NBA basketball season, I’ll call out Dwight…not Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal; Shaquille O’Neal—let’s get in there, man, and let’s do something for the people. Also, Draymond Green, I know everybody wants to see Draymond Green get in there,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that Shaq had previously fought, albeit unsuccessfully, the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley (49-10-1, 41 KOs)—a factor that played a major role in Felton’s decision. “C’mon Shaq, let’s do it for the people, man. I’m calling you out,” he said.
“Still Damn Irks Me”
It’s been over 15 years since Bowe retired from professional boxing. However, there is one fight that he would still pick up in a heartbeat: his once highly anticipated fight against Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs).
Talking about the same, he dismissed rumors about ducking Lewis. “I beat Holyfield two times. How many times Lennox beat him? They went 1 and 1 and a draw,” he said. Bowe also mentioned that, had the fight taken place, he would’ve beaten him with little to no effort.
“Lennox, I just don’t like him. He still damn irks me. Man, I’m ready to fight,” he said.
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