Roy Jones Jr.Eyes Coaching Role in Potential Shaquille O’Neal Boxing Debut
Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has expressed interest in training Shaquille O’Neal should the NBA Hall of Famer follow through with plans to enter the boxing ring. The development comes amid growing speculation surrounding O’Neal’s potential participation in a celebrity boxing match, fueled by recent challenges and discussions within the combat sports world.
O’Neal, who dominated professional basketball for nearly two decades (1992-2011) with teams including the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and Los angeles Lakers-winning four NBA championships-has frequently alluded to a possible foray into boxing. While details remain scarce, the prospect of the 7’1″ former center trading basketball shoes for boxing gloves has captured public attention. Jones Jr., a former four-division world champion known for his exceptional boxing skills and coaching acumen, believes he could prepare O’Neal for the unique demands of the sport.
“If Shaq is serious about this, he needs someone who understands the sweet science,” Jones Jr. stated in a recent interview. “I can teach him how to use his size and strength effectively, and how to protect himself. It’s a different world in there,and he’ll need proper guidance.”
O’Neal’s most celebrated on-court achievements include a “three-peat” championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant. Tho,transitioning to boxing would require a critically important adaptation to a entirely different skillset and physical challenge. Jones Jr.’s offer represents a potential pathway for O’Neal to navigate this transition, leveraging the expertise of one of boxing’s most respected figures. No date or opponent has been confirmed for O’Neal, but discussions are reportedly ongoing.
