“I want to be strong, dominant,” said Shaquille O’Neal once. Known primarily for his dominant career in the NBA, where he solidified his place as one of the greatest centers of all time, Shaq has dabbled in everything from acting and music to professional wrestling and law enforcement. But what if the Diesel had chosen a different path? What if Shaquille O’Neal, standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing over 300 pounds, had stepped into the same $850 million worth ring as Mike Tyson?

During a recent episode of “The Big Podcast,” a fascinating hypothetical scenario unfolded when host Adam Lefkoe challenged boxing legend Evander Holyfield with a tantalizing question: What kind of super heavyweight Shaq could have become? Of course, the condition was if Shaq did not spend time in the gym since his childhood but in a ring. Holyfield spared no time in answering and even inspired him.

“Well, he have the reach, and when people know the balance, the balance that keeps that person (opponent) out. You can hit him… I actually thought Riddick Bowe is the best big man that’s out there. It would make no difference if he whether short or long, he can fight long style, he can fight short style. It’s showing you that if you start early in gym and have these skills, you can be the better or the best,” said Holyfield during the podcast.

The 62-year-old’s comments carry significant weight, given his decorated career. With an Olympic bronze medal and four world heavyweight titles to his name, Holyfield’s understanding of what it takes to succeed in the boxing world is unparalleled. One of Holyfield’s most famous fights came against Mike Tyson in 1997—the infamous “Bite Fight.” In their rematch, Tyson was disqualified after biting Holyfield’s ear twice.

Moreover, this wasn’t the first time Shaq explored the world of combat sports. The 7-foot-1 center first stepped into the ring in 2009 when he served as a guest host for the match between Cryme Tyme (JTG and Shad Gaspard) and Jeri-Show (Big Show and Jericho).

However, his most significant appearance came at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, where he made a surprise appearance in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The Lakers veteran eliminated Damian Sandow and had another face-off with Big Show before both were eliminated by other competitors.

With the whispers of a potential $12 million boxing spectacle between Shaquille O’Neal and NFL legend Rob Gronkowski are gaining momentum, this inspiration from the boxing legend can turn turn to be beneficial for the LA icon.

While we’ll never see him fight for a heavyweight title, his larger-than-life personality and willingness to step out of his comfort zone continue to impact millions. However, inspiration wasn’t the only thing that Shaq got from Holyfield.

Shaq got insights about one of his combat games

O’Neal never hesitates to seek advice, whether for basketball, business, or personal growth. Just days ago, his fellow NBA legend Alonzo Mourning shared a game-changing tip: adopt plant-based eating for a healthier life. Now he asked for insights about a previous game.

During the same episode, the seven-footer asked Holyfield, “Did you see my fight against Sugar Shane? How’d I do?” The 62-year-old with the same energy as his prime time said, “The point of the matter is you should have kept him away. You two were getting a bit too close. You two were not to get too close but I thought, he gonna d–,” said Holyfield during the podcast.

Shaq stepped into the boxing ring with Sugar Shane Mosley in 2010 and it was less of a competitive bout and more of a good-natured exhibition game. The fight was broadcast over ten episodes and surprisingly, ‘Sugar’ despite being short outboxed Shaq and won the fight.

While O’Neal was initially upset with the result, he ended up hugging Shane. In the end, the NBA veteran’s willingness to embrace insights—whether from peers or opponents—cements his reputation as a student of life, always eager to evolve and grow.