Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA Hall of Famer and cultural icon, is set to step into the boxing ring once again, this time taking on Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, a former bodyguard for actor Will Smith. The announcement, made via O’Neal’s Instagram, has reignited an old feud between the two, promising an entertaining spectacle for fans of both basketball and celebrity boxing.
The origins of this rivalry date back several years to a public autograph signing in Dallas. During the event, Alston claims that O’Neal attempted to cut in line, leading to a physical altercation where Alston playfully “chopped” O’Neal in the neck. “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.” This humorous incident has now evolved into a full-fledged boxing match, with Alston issuing a public challenge that O’Neal quickly accepted.
In true Shaquille O’Neal fashion, the former Miami Heat star responded with his trademark bravado, saying, “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 is no stranger to the boxing ring, having previously participated in two exhibition matches against boxing legends Sugar Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya, both of which he lost. However, these experiences showcased his willingness to step outside the basketball court and into the realm of crossover entertainment. Celebrity Boxing, known for organizing novelty bouts, will oversee this upcoming matchup, though a date for the fight has yet to be announced.
In addition to preparing for his boxing debut, O’Neal is also expanding his entertainment ventures. He has partnered with Hersheypark for a Halloween and Dark Nights experience, which will run from September 12 to November 2. The amusement park will transform its Laff Trakk indoor coaster into the “Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk,” inspired by O’Neal’s Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, developed in collaboration with The Hershey Company.
“We’re taking the flavor and the fun of my Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies and blowing it up into a larger-than-life adventure,” O’Neal said. The ride will feature glowing visuals, enhanced audio, immersive lighting, and even voiceover work from the former athlete himself. Hersheypark’s Vice President of Entertainment Operations, Vikki Hultquist, described the experience as a “bigger, bolder, XL ride,” promising attendees a thrilling journey through a “Shaq-ified world of giant glowing gummies, bass-pumping beats, and over-the-top fruit-flavored mayhem.”
As the anticipation builds for both the boxing match and the amusement park collaboration, Shaquille O’Neal continues to demonstrate his versatility and larger-than-life personality, captivating audiences both in and out of the sports arena. Fans can expect a mix of entertainment, nostalgia, and excitement as this unique showdown unfolds.