Shaq Accepts Celebrity Boxing Challenge from Charlie Mack After Viral Invitations

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is branching out into a different kind of sporting event. The 53-year-old four-time NBA champion has agreed to participate in a celebrity boxing match against Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, a veteran of the Philadelphia music industry and former bodyguard to actor Will Smith.

The boxing match proposal occurred as a reaction to a viral callout video from Alston, who accused O’Neal of avoiding him for several years. Alston had approached O’Neal via an Instagram post earlier this week with a direct challenge sitting next to Celebrity Boxing CEO Damon Feldman. He recounted an old altercation with the Lakers’ star in Dallas where he “chopped him in his neck” for trying to cut in line during an autograph session.

Alston, who stands at approximately 6-foot-6 and weighs nearly 290 pounds, recognizes himself as an underdog against the 7-foot-1 O’Neal, who played at 325 pounds throughout his 19-year NBA career, yet he seems to be cherishing the size discrepancy as part of the show.

NBA Hall of Famer O’Neal accepted Alston’s challenge for a boxing match, first responding in Alston’s Instagram comments, then following up with his own video stating, “Hey celebrity boxing and Charlie Mack, I accept,” with a smile, “You name the time and place, I’ll be there. Diesel doesn’t run from nobody.”

He then humorously pointed out the neck incident, “You chopped me in my neck, Charlie Mack, that’s why I talk so funny. Payback time. You better check my police record, Charlie Mack.”

This back-and-forth exchange on social media quickly went viral and has the potential to become the biggest event in Official Celebrity Boxing’s history. On his own Instagram page, Alston celebrated O’Neal’s acceptance alongside a mock fight poster featuring both men.

Notably, this won’t be the first time O’Neal has put on boxing gloves. He’s previously entered the ring for fun exhibition matches with boxing icons Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley.