So far, the star-powered new leadership at Reebok has not disappointed. Together with Allen Iverson, Shaquille O’Neal is recruiting talent that’s worth all the hype. His latest signing was outside the boxing world, but in an arena the 7’1″ giant is known to enjoy. And apparently, the newest Reebok talent has some history with Shaq and his sidekick, which underlines their new partnership.

A YouTube channel built the web of connections, Shaq, AI, and their new talent have in common with each other. It just makes this signing a little more impressive across the sports world.

Reebok’s latest recruit has a long connection with Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson

The Reebok roster got bigger under president Shaquille O’Neal with boxing’s next big thing, Skakur Stevenson. Shaq and Iverson are heads of the basketball division. Hence, signing a boxer after LSU talent Angel Reese raised a few brows. YouTube channel Champside explained why this signing makes sense.

For starters, Stevenson was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Central High School before he was part of Team USA in the 2016 Olympics. Shaquille O’Neal was born in Newark as well and grew up in multiple army bases because of his sergeant dad’s career.

Both grew up in big families too. Shaq is the oldest of four children and was raised by his mother, Lucille, and stepfather, Phillip Harrison. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old boxer is the oldest of nine siblings and was raised by his mom and stepfather as well.

The similarities aren’t limited to Shaq and Skakur. Along with the 4x NBA champion, AI was also a big reason why Stevenson wanted to sign with Reebok. As history goes, Virginia native Iverson graduated from Bethel High School and attended Georgetown before heading to the NBA.

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Stevenson moved from Shaq’s hometown to Iverson’s hometown in his teens. He’d end up graduating from Bethel High School, the same as Iverson.

Stevenson was in Shaq’s social circle for a while. And he’s partnered with Reebok before. However, the Philadelphia 76ers legend was a factor in Stevenson’s signing with Reebok.

Shaq’s new recruit is Allen Iverson’s biggest fan

Reebok has longstanding ties with the boxing ring, including making special boxing boots for Shakur Stevenson in his previous fights. They have taken it up a notch with a partnership that will drive the Reebok campaign ahead of Shakur’s November 16 bout for the WBC lightweight title. It was O’Neal and Iverson who orchestrated this deal.

He’s met and interacted with O’Neal before but not with Iverson. But between both of them, he said he’s “always been the biggest fan” of AI. his love for Reebok even began because the NBA legend’s signature shoe, the Reebok Question, was the hottest trend at Bethel High School.

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The Reebok family keeps getting cooler under Shaq and AI. What do you think about this history between the brand and its top-rated roster?