Shaquille O'Neal got more than he bargained for during a recent segment on 'Inside the NBA'. The NBA legend stepped into a boxing ring set up on the TNT set, expecting to face Charles Barkley. Instead, he found himself squared off against former WNBA star Candace Parker.
The setup was part of a promotion for 'Paul American', a new reality show featuring Jake and Logan Paul. The Paul brothers, known for turning internet moments into mass media empires, grinned from the sidelines as the action unfolded.
Parker didn't hold back. She entered the ring and threw a flurry of punches, landing a clean combo to Shaq's midsection. The seven-foot-tall O'Neal, caught off guard, held his breath and braced for more. He tried to power through, but the hits left him gasping.
Jake and Logan Paul couldn't contain their excitement. They rushed to embrace Shaq, the size difference between them and the NBA Hall of Famer stark. In the background, Parker sported an earned smile, clearly pleased with her performance.
"I didn't expect Candace to hit that hard," Shaq said, still catching his breath. "She's got some real power in those punches."
The unexpected boxing match served as a clever promotion for 'Paul American', the Paul brothers' upcoming reality show. Set to premiere on March 27 on Max, the show promises to give viewers an inside look at the chaotic, fame-filled lives of Jake and Logan Paul.
This event showcases the Paul brothers' growing influence in the entertainment world. They've built their brand by venturing into boxing, podcasting, and now television production. Their ability to attract big names like Shaq and Candace Parker for promotions hints at even bigger possibilities in their future.
As for Shaq, he took the surprise bout in stride. "Next time, I'll be ready," he joked, towering over the Paul brothers. "But maybe I'll stick to basketball for now."
The segment ended with laughter all around, proving that sometimes the best entertainment comes from unexpected moments. And for the Paul brothers, it's just another day in their ever-expanding media empire.
