The big fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul might have disappointed some but it also brought something promising. A hope for another showdown between two big names. NBA vs NFL. The announcement came from Shaquille O’Neal himself during the Tyson-Paul fight. While Shaq was representing the NBA community at the event, ex-NFL star Rob Gronkowski was sitting right there with Big Diesel. And the two came up with an idea that seems intriguing.

“Me and Gronk gonna put together NBA vs. NFL,” Shaq announced enthusiastically, envisioning a spectacle that would involve boxing, football, basketball, and more. While this seemed like lighthearted talk at first, Gronkowski wasted no time responding with a playful warning. Sharing an Instagram video of himself throwing punches at a tree, the four-time Super Bowl champion declared, “You messed with the wrong dude, Shaq.”

While their exchange carried a humorous undertone, the idea of an NBA vs. NFL crossover fight is gaining traction. According to Shaq, the concept emerged spontaneously during their friendly trash talk at the Tyson-Paul event. “Me and Gronk are good friends, and he challenged me to a fight,” O’Neal revealed.

Stepping into a boxing ring, however, should not be something new for the 7’1″ star. Among the many side quests that Shaq takes on, he faced championship fighter Oscar De La Hoya in a matchup at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Paradise, Nevada. The match came as a part of O Neal’s Shaq Vs. reality television series. Though the fight involved a change of rules regarding the time limit and number of rounds, Oscar De La Hoya won anyway with a unanimous decision.

In the second season of his reality TV series, Shaquille O’Neal laced on the gloves to challenge Shane Mosley in an exhibition boxing match in Las Vegas. While the 4x NBA champ lost this one too, it’s clear he has experience in the ring. But that seems to have no intimidating effect on Gronk.

The ex-NFL star left no room for doubt about his excitement for the fight. “I’m not really your good friend; I’m ready to fight your a–,” Gronk teased, even suggesting their fight be the main event. Their mutual admiration, however, shone through, with both exchanging heartfelt love yous during the interaction.

Still, the idea of the two stars stepping into the ring has fans buzzing. And if this mega-fight actually materializes, the NBA vs. NFL rivalry might take a thrilling new form. However, as of now, there is someone from the NBA community itself who desires to take on the 7’1″ star in the ring.

Following the Rob Gronkowski announcement, Shaquille O’Neal’s long-time nemesis challenges him to a fight

The first guess for most would be Dwight Howard. And yes, D12, just made his rivalry with Shaq just a little spicier. It all began during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing event itself, where Dwight decided to stir the pot. Taking to X, he challenged Shaq to a fight, reigniting their long-standing banter.

Big Diesel, however, brushed off Howard’s challenge with a playful jab about championship rings. “Gotta have more than one ring to get in the ring with me,” he wrote, throwing in a shoutout to Rob Gronkowski, and his current focus for an NBA vs. NFL event. And in true Shaq fashion, he generously handed Dwight the “Superman belt.” Talk about adding insult to injury!

But Dwight wasn’t backing down. He accused Shaq of ducking him, which only fueled the fire. The 4x NBA champ quickly turned the tables, suggesting D12 join the NBA vs. NFL showdown first. “Just join the show and let’s whoop some NFL guys. And if you make it to the Hall of Fame, then we’ll do it,” he wrote. Something that seemed “fair” to Howard.

It’s clear that NBA vs NFL is the main focus for Shaquille O’Neal as of now. Gronkowski awaits a response.