56-YO Riddick Bowe Calls Out Shaquille O’Neal and Other NBA Legends for Celebrity Boxing Match

The boxing community still rues over the missed Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis fight. A clash, had it seen the light of day, would have for sure made it to the top of the greatest boxing fights list. But in return, the fans saw the Bowe-Holyfield trilogy. Though split into phases, if taken collectively, Riddick ‘Big Daddy’ Bowe’s career barely lasted over a decade.

It’s been over fifteen years since the two-time world heavyweight champion retired. However, Riddick Bowe seems intent on making a comeback. Probably, as the saying goes, the pull of the ring continues to linger long after the boxer hangs his gloves. So in a move that might surprise many, the former champion and Olympic silver medalist has apparently called out a slew of celebrities to try exchanging jabs with him in the ring. However, his goal appears to be that of NBA great Shaquille O’Neal. Other big names are welcome to try their hands, though.

Riddick Bowe: A New-Age Rumble

So Riddick Bowe tagged O’Neal and a few others on his Instagram post. He wrote, “@shaq, @markjackson, @mr_camron, @rod_strickland1. Since they said I CANNOT Dance anymore, I still know how to Show You All. My Former Sparring Partner will light a lot of y’all Up with me in his Corner. Bowe.” The message accompanied a short clip that showed him sitting with Damon Feldman, the founder and CEO of Official Celebrity Boxing, and his trainer, Jonathan Felton, standing on the flanks.

Damon Feldman made it known to the world. “Celebrity boxing challenge…in Orlando, Florida. I’m here with Riddick ‘Bid Daddy’ Bowe. Former heavyweight champion of the world,” he said. ‘Big Daddy’ immediately added, “Two-time.” So Feldman continued, “Two-time heavyweight champion of the world, and his trainer, Jonathan. And Jonathan, you want to challenge someone. What celebrity do you want to challenge for the Celebrity boxing match?”

Riddick Bowe’s trainer, Jonathan Felton, shared that the NBA season was on. Since it has been grabbing significant attention, their first preference would be basketball stars. He said, “Ok, right now since this is the NBA basketball season, I’ll call out Dwight…not Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal; Shaquille O’Neal—let’s get in there, man, and let’s do something for the people. Also, Draymond Green, I know everybody wants to see Draymond Green get in there.” But then he also called out other celebrities who are willing to duke it with a former heavyweight champion of the world.

For the Battle of the Giants

Damon Feldman asked Felton why there was so much insistence on O’Neal. The NBA legend has, in the past, fought the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley. Bowe’s trainer replied that that was precisely the reason why they called out Shaquille O’Neal. So once again calling out the three-time NBA Final MVP, Felton said, “C’mon Shaq, let’s do it for the people, man. I’m calling you out.” The CEO of Official Celebrity Boxing also did his bidding: “Well Shaq, are you stepping up to take a chance on a celebrity boxing match with Riddick ‘Big Daddy’ Bowe?”

But per the available accounts, it will not be the first time Riddick Bowe makes such a callout. Back in 2021, announcing his return to the ring, ‘Big Daddy’ reportedly sought fans’ opinions on the celebrity he should fight on the Celebrity Boxing platform. He said, “Who do you think I should fight? Maybe Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Shaq Daddy. Let me know who you want me to fight, and it’s a done deal.” It’s a different matter that the attempt bore no fruit, as Bowe, while still a part of the Celebrity Boxing event, couldn’t participate in a fight for specific reasons.

For the promotion’s October 2 show, he reportedly had a fight scheduled against former NBA player Lamar Odom.

Read More: 28 Years After Riddick Bowe Trilogy Loss, Evander Holyfield Makes a $10 Million Confession 

What’s your take on another aging boxing legend trying to make a comeback? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

Also Read: Wanting to Teach Jake Paul How to Uppercut, Boxing Legend Riddick Bowe Stunned by KO Punch That Flatlined Andre August