Seven times, Mr. Olympia Phil Heath has been open about his good friendship with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. The basketball veteran has been working out for quite a while now and has even claimed to be a reincarnation of Heath previously. As Mr. Olympia 2023 is currently in its final stages, in a surprising turn of events, Shaq openly challenged the bodybuilding veteran.

Just moments after the final posing routine for the Mr. Olympia title concluded, the host of the show, Bob Cicherillo, asked Shaq for his views on who has the potential to lift the trophy this year. While Shaq did not clearly choose any side, he challenged Phil Heath for an epic pose down.

Shaquille O’Neal’s challenge to Phil Heath

Phil ‘The Gift’ Heath managed to dominate the entire lineup back in his day, winning a total of seven titles, which is equivalent to the record of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Heath has still not announced his retirement from the sport but has been away from the competitive stage for quite a while now. Challenging Heath to get back on the stage against him was none other than retired basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.

Upon being questioned by Bob Cicherillo about his favorite athlete, Shaq stated that he believed all the athletes were “phenomenal.” However, he added to this by saying, “Bring back Phil Heath.” While all this came out of friendly banter, Heath continued by challenging Heath. “Get your a** up here Phil. We can do a pose off right now. Side chest, favorite muscular,” Shaquille said. 

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Despite the challenge that Shaquille made, the duo think of each other as good friends and have been there for each other whenever needed. Heath previously opened up about how Shaq once consoled him over the phone. 

Heath shares the exact incident during a podcast

If there is anything more difficult in this world than winning a Mr. Olympia title, it is to defend the title multiple times year after year. Among the few who have managed to do it consecutively is none other than the bodybuilding veteran Phil Heath. Last year, during his time at an episode of Club Shay Shay, Heath admitted that he was unbeatable during his prime years. “I was the Tom Brady of bodybuilding, they didn’t want me to win,” Heath stated.

However, back in 2018, Heath went through a tough time after he placed second at the Mr. Olympia 2018. While he was having a hard time processing his defeat to Shawn Rhoden, amidst all this, he received a call from Shaq. “Shaq called, he was there, he called me, he was with the rock. He gave me a great amount of encouragement,” said Phil.

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What are your views on the brotherhood that Heath and Shaquille have? Let us know in the comments.