Roy Jones Jr has thrown his name into one of the strangest celebrity boxing stories of the year.
Shaq accepts Mack Challenge
The idea of the fight began earlier this month when Charlie Mack, a Philadelphia promoter and longtime associate of Will Smith, challenged O’Neal to a bout.
Mack jokingly referenced decades-old beef with the former Lakers star and told Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman he wanted to settle it in the ring.
Shaq responded quickly on Instagram. “Name the time and the place and I’ll be there,” he wrote, surprising many by accepting the offer. While no official contracts have been signed, Jones Jr’s involvement has added new momentum to the potential matchup.
For O’Neal, this would not be the first time he traded basketball sneakers for boxing gloves. Back in 2009 and 2010 he took part in two exhibition contests against Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley.
De La Hoya even remarked that Shaq’s punches ranked among the hardest he had ever felt, despite facing legends such as Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
Roy Jones Jr makes offer
Charlie Mack, meanwhile, is no stranger to celebrity circles. Best known as Will Smith’s former bodyguard, he has long worked in entertainment promotion. He issued his call-out of Shaq in a lighthearted manner, but the hype around the potential fight quickly grew.
Speaking in a video statement to TMZ Sports, Jones Jr declared his interest. “If that jumps off, I’m definitely going to be the referee. Without question,” he said.
Jones Jr’s presence could transform the event into a bigger spectacle. The 55-year-old fought Mike Tyson in a memorable 2021 exhibition that also featured Snoop Dogg and Jake Paul on commentary.
The night drew close to one million pay-per-view buys, proving the power of nostalgia and crossover appeal.
Although Jones Jr returned professionally in 2023 against Anthony Pettis, he has largely focused on media appearances and promotional roles.
Roy Jones Jr into the referee’s shirt for the Shaq vs Charlie Mack celebrity boxing match would keep him at the heart of a unique sporting event.
The contracts still need signing, but Shaq’s interest, Mack’s push, and Roy Jones Jr’s offer to officiate have created the stage for a celebrity clash like no other.
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