It's on! Shaq and Mack to settle heavyweight beef in the ring

Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to climb into a boxing ring after being called out by hip-hop figure Charlie Mack, once Will Smith’s bodyguard.

The NBA Hall of Famer posted a video on Instagram confirming he will face Mack, accepting the invitation without hesitation. “Hey celebrity boxing and Charlie Mack, I accept,’’ O’Neal said. “You name the time and place, I’ll be there. Diesel don’t run from nobody.’’

As for how it started, the challenge came after Mack claimed their feud began at an autograph signing years ago.

He told Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon Feldman, “We were in Dallas doing an autograph signing, and [O’Neal] came and tried to jump in front of the line. I chopped him in his neck so he could get back.’’

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O’Neal fired back with his own twist. “You chopped me in my neck, Charlie Mack, that’s why I talk so funny. Payback time,” he said in a follow-up message. “You better check my police record, Charlie Mack.”

On Tuesday, Mack doubled down by posting a fight-style poster to Instagram. “So I call Big Fella @shaq out yesterday & he accepted as I knew he would!!!! We’ve been talking about it way too long, now we MUST get it ON!!!!!!!!” he wrote.

Shaq and Mack agree to fight

The pair’s exchange has now set the stage for a celebrity fight, although no date or venue has been confirmed. Mack added his own prediction, promising a knockout. “Me and you, baby, super heavyweight. Sha-knocked out, that’s what you’re going to be.”

O’Neal, who stands 7ft 1in and weighed around 325 pounds during his NBA career, will have size on his side.

Mack, listed at 6ft 6in and 290 pounds, says his hip-hop background and history with O’Neal give him the edge.

Celebrity Boxing has staged bouts featuring stars from sport and entertainment before, including Jose Canseco, Lamar Odom and Tonya Harding. Adding O’Neal’s name to the card would easily make this one of the biggest attractions yet.

The former Lakers great is no stranger to public feuds, having clashed with Shannon Sharpe last year and even releasing a diss track. This time, though, Shaq says he is ready to settle matters in the ring.