56-YO Riddick Bowe Calls Out Shaquille O’Neal and Other NBA Legends for Celebrity Boxing Match
Follow Us
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
View this post on Instagram
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?”
Trending
Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words
May 01, 2024 02:25 PM EDT
A Far Cry From Floyd Mayweather’s Treatment of Him, Gervonta Davis Applauds Kevin Durant’s Support for Anthony Edwards
April 30, 2024 09:32 AM EDT
“It’s Just Too Much for Me”: Jermall Charlo Contemplates Retirement as Rivalry With Caleb Plant Reaches Boiling Point
May 01, 2024 04:02 PM EDT
Controversial Boxing Insider Confirms Floyd Mayweather Fans’ Worst Fear Amidst Dubai Debacle
April 29, 2024 09:21 PM EDT
Terence Crawford Roped in Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” Diss Track Against Drake
May 01, 2024 01:42 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
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?”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What’s your take on another aging boxing legend trying to make a comeback? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
Edited by:
Snigdhaa Jaiswal