BA legend Shaquille O’Neal is preparing for a potential boxing showdown with former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, and he’s enlisted heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield as his coach.
The four-time NBA champion has been making waves in combat sports circles with his serious intention to face off against Gronkowski in the ring. O’Neal recently revealed on The Big Podcast with Shaq that he’s taking inspiration from Holyfield to get back in shape for the proposed match.
During the podcast episode, O’Neal didn’t hesitate to call out his potential opponent. “We’re gonna sign the contract now. When I face Gronk, you’re going to be my coach…Oh, Gronk! Gronk is going down. Gronk, your little a*s in trouble,” O’Neal declared after securing Holyfield’s commitment to train him.
The possibility of this unique sporting event first emerged during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul event, where both O’Neal and Gronkowski were in attendance. What started as playful banter has evolved into something potentially more substantial.
The matchup would feature the seven-foot-tall O’Neal, now 52, against the 35-year-old Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion known for his dominance as a tight end in the NFL. While the size difference between the two athletes is notable, both bring impressive athletic credentials to the table.
Gronkowski has already set his terms for the potential bout. “I actually would face Shaq in a boxing match. Here’s the thing: I would never do the UFC stuff, no matter what the payment is, no matter how much money it is. But I would box someone if the money was right, no doubt about it. At least $12 million, minimum,” he stated in a recent interview.
