Shaquille O’Neal ropes in Mike Tyson’s rival for fight against NFL star Gronk

Shaquille O'Neal called upon Mike Tyson's former rival Evander Holyfield in the midst of his potential fight with Rob Gronkowski.

Shaquille O’Neal ropes in Mike Tyson’s rival for fight against NFL star Gronk

Shaquille O'Neal calls upon Mike Tyson's rival in beef with Gronk

Shaquille O’Neal has thrown his hat into the boxing ring. Literally. The four-time NBA champion is teasing a potential boxing bout with former NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski, blending the worlds of basketball and football in a highly anticipated matchup. While the fight remains unofficial, O’Neal is taking it seriously, recruiting Mike Tyson’s rival and legendary boxer Evander Holyfield as his coach.

On a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Neal revealed his intention to gear up for the fight. He told Holyfield about being inspired by the former boxer to get back in shape to prepare for his fight against Gronk. Shaq proceeded to ask if Holyfield would be game to coach the 300+ lb big man for his matchup, and the former undisputed heavyweight champion willingly agreed.

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We’re gonna sign the contract now. When I fight Gronk, you’re going to be my coach…Oh, Gronk! Gronk is going down. Gronk, your little a*s in trouble.

Shaquille O’Neal exclaimed

Holyfield, best remembered for his bouts with Mike Tyson, readily agreed to coach the 52-year-old Shaquille O’Neal. The arrangement between the two only ups the stakes for what could be an epic showdown between Shaq and Gronk.

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The story of their fight initially gained traction during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, where O’Neal and Gronkowski were part of the star-studded audience. The two sports legends bantered about a potential boxing match, leaving many wondering if they were joking or genuinely considering the idea. But with everything since, it certainly doesn’t look like they were joking about getting down in the ring.

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Rob Gronkowski reveals asking price for bout with Shaquille O’Neal

If the fight materializes, it will see Shaquille O’Neal, a seven-foot-tall powerhouse, take on the 35-year-old Rob Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl winner and one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. But what would it actually take to get the two to square up in the ring? They seem willing, but the price tag must be justifiable Gronk claimed during a recent interview.

“I actually would fight 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.

Rob Gronkowski said on the Dudes on Dudes podcast

While the size and age disparities raise questions about the feasibility of the matchup, the spectacle alone has fans eager for an official announcement. Gronk has the competitive spirit as long as the price is right, and Shaq is ready to go purely for the love of the game. It will definitely be an absolutely memorable sight to behold the two legends go toe to toe against each other.