“Ain’t going to back down,” 7-foot NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal promises Nate Diaz ‘won’t run away’ from Canelo Alvarez boxing match

Shaquille O'Neal backs Nate Diaz to taking on Canelo Alvarez without ducking the Mexican.


“Ain’t going to back down,” 7-foot NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal promises Nate Diaz ‘won’t run away’ from Canelo Alvarez boxing match

Nate Diaz Shaq O'Neal and canelo Alvarez (Image Courtesy: The Athletic)

One of the most popular names in combat sports,  Nate Diaz is currently a free agent. The Stockton native recently parted ways with UFC after his contract expired after his last fight with Tony Ferguson. Diaz revealed that leaving the UFC will open up opportunities for him to try other things such as boxing. 

In a recent interview with MMA Hour, Canelo Alvarez’s promoter, Eddie Hearn revealed that during a conversation with Diaz, the MMA star has shown interest in fighting Canelo Alvarez. This news flooded the internet and many celebrities also shared their views on it. Former NBA player, Shaquille O’Neal was asked the question about Diaz fighting Alvarez, and the legend praised Diaz for his commitment. 

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Whoever he wants to,” O’Neal said Diaz can fight anybody it doesn’t matter. When asked specifically about Alvarez, O’Neal mentioned that Diaz won’t back out from the challenge and it would be an interesting fight. “He ain’t gonna back down, I know that. He ain’t going to be running. That will be a nice fight,” O’ Neal. 

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Diaz is well known for his fearless and gangster personality and his willingness to fight anybody he wants. Knowing that the fighter has always been eager to box, there is a high possibility that Diaz will definitely sign the contract if the fight takes place. 

Related: ‘He refused anyway,’ Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov offered Nate Diaz whopping $2 million to fight overweight Khamzat Chimaev

Canelo Alvarez likes the idea of fighting Nate Diaz but there is a small problem

Nate Diaz and Canelo Alvarez (Image Courtesy MMA Fighting AS USA)
Nate Diaz and Canelo Alvarez (Image Courtesy MMA Fighting AS USA)

Canelo Alvarez had a rough 2022 as the champion lost his second-ever career fight in the month of May. The fighter went up a weight class to fight the light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol but failed to get win. However, Alvarez made his comeback after he won the trilogy fight against his old nemesis, Gennadiy Golovkin later that year. 

Currently, Alvarez is expected to fight John Raydor in the upcoming months in Mexico. During a recent interview with Inside Fighting, the fighter mentioned that after he finishes his business with Raydor he will get into a rematch with Bivol. On top of it, Alvarez isn’t ruling out the idea of fighting Nate Diaz in a boxing bout but he needs time to make that decision as it is not his priority. 

We’ll never know, but right now he’s not. Not right now. I have goals. Maybe later, maybe in the future but not right now,” said Alvarez. 

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Both Alvarez and Nate Diaz are huge superstars and have the ability to sell a massive pay-per-view event. The fans will flood the stands to see these two boxing against each other and the promoters are well aware of it.

Continue Reading:

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