“Gotta have more than one ring to get in the ring with me,” said Shaquille O’Neal in a recent tweet. For years, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard have been embroiled in a feud as their rivalry, famously centered on a moniker dispute that has taken countless forms, from verbal jabs in interviews to sly social media digs. Now, it seems their feud could escalate to a whole new arena—literally.

Since the day Shaquille O’Neal announced that he wanted to organize a fight between him and NFL legend Rob Gronkowski during the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, Howard has been trying his best to pursue the seven-footer for a matchup. Initially, Shaq dismissed Howard’s overtures with his trademark humor, but recently, through his X, he appears to have given his condition for the fight. “If you woulda read it ,noticed it says Nba vs Nfl with that being said you can box a Nfl guy and then if u win, then u can get The jones of the big man #thegoat #onlyonesuperman, u wait til im fifty to challenge me that’s funny just join the show and let’s whoop some nfl guys. And if u make it to the hall of fame then well do it,” read the caption of the X post.

The origins of their original feud date back to Dwight Howard’s early days in the NBA. The rivalry between NBA legends Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal was driven by more than just on-court clashes. Given his massive physique and playing style, the Lakers veteran was often referred to as ‘Superman.’ However, things quickly changed during the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest, when Howard, representing his team Orlando Magic, rocked a Superman shirt and cape. That year, D-12 won the contest as well.

The prospect of a Shaq vs. Howard fight has fans buzzing, reigniting debates about their long-standing feud and the Superman title. A potential in-ring clash wouldn’t just be about punches and jabs; it would be a culmination of years of tension and trash talk. If Shaq and Howard do meet in the ring, it promises to be a spectacle—part grudge match, part comedy show, and 100% entertainment. However, if the fight happens who will have the most chances of winning?

Dwight Howard’s advantage over Shaquille O’Neal

On the basketball court, Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance overshadowed Dwight Howard’s accomplishments. Shaq’s career boasts four NBA championships, MVP awards, and a legacy as one of the most dominant centers of all time. In contrast, while Howard has had an impressive career with multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and an NBA title, he never quite reached Shaq’s level of dominance. However, when it comes to a potential in-ring fight, Howard might have a surprising edge: fitness and agility.

Unlike O’Neal, who has embraced a more relaxed lifestyle in retirement, Howard has maintained a rigorous fitness routine. The 6’10” former All-Star has repeatedly emphasized his peak physical condition. Recently, he had called out the OKC Thunder following Chet Holmgren’s injury and wanted OKC management to sign him. “OKC, your boy is ready. What’s happenin? Y’all need a big. Y’all need a vet. Y’all need somebody who’s gonna bring the energy,” said Howard on KG Certified.

Additionally, the former Los Angeles Lakers player had even pleaded with the Lakers’ President, Jeanie Buss, to give him another chance in the league claiming he’s still fit. “I’m [still] in shape for basketball, so Jeanie give me one more chance,” said Howard. While Shaq’s size and brute strength are undeniable, Howard’s superior conditioning and quickness could tip the scales in his favor if the two ever meet in the ring.