The Big Aristotle is swept in the #PaulTyson mania. Shaquille O’Neal has his annual EDM festival, Bass All Stars, in Fort Worth, Texas, kicking off on November 16. But as of Friday night, he’s in Arlington’s AT&T Stadium for – what else but – the epic fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. ICYMI, Shaq’s bet a small fortune on his ultimate favorite boxer of all time aka the Baddest Man on the Planet. He’s feeling the fight night energy sitting next to another old friend from the gridiron. And it’s giving him some business ideas.

He’s basking in this bout for the ages with his eldest son, Myles O’Neal, and next to 4x Super Bowl champ Rob Gronkowski. It’s making him want to settle the old debate between the NBA and NFL but in the ring.

“Me and Gronk are going to put together NBA vs NFL,” is Shaq’s kinda-sorta serious declaration. It wouldn’t be restricted, though. He’s open to an entire Olympic-style tournament of football, basketball, boxing, and the works. Gronk’s only concern was the categories for the matchups – retired or active. He wants to ensure if it’s retired players only, he gets to square up against Big Diesel. Shaq assured him it would be, “either or.” 

This is a plan right off the top of Shaq’s head. “I just thought about it because me and Gronk have been good friends and he challenged me into a fight and I said okay.”

But there’s a slight misconception there. The NFL tight end contradicted Shaq right away. “I’m not really a good friend. I’m ready to fight your a–.” Netflix bosses, did you catch that? He even wants him and Shaq to be the first matchup. Despite how fired up they are about a fight, Shaq and Gronk make up with handshakes and love yous.

Shaquille O’Neal’s here for Iron Mike alone

Gronk better be careful. Shaquille O’Neal’s actually fought Sugar Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya in the ring before. He lost both times but he did back them to the ropes overwhelmingly. The only person who’s ever terrified the 7-foot giant is Mike Tyson.

O’Neal is a massive fan of combat sports, and he’s been inspired by Mike Tyson for a long time. He wasn’t going to miss this fight in person even if it meant cutting it close between the fight night and his music festival. It’s a good thing both venues are less than 30 minutes away.

It did surprise fans when the cameras panned to O’Neal ringside. A day ago, he told Dan Patrick on his show, “I’m placing one this weekend. Mike Tyson, baby. All the way…” referring to a massive $1 million bet on Iron Mike. The odds are heavily in favor of Jake Paul. However, Shaq’s putting his money on the one guy who scares him in the ring. Gronk would have to try harder.