Charles Barkley vs Shaquille O’Neal: Who can bench press more?
Here's who came out on top when Shaq and Charles Barkley faced off at the Pain and Gain Liftoff bench press challenge.
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Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal (Credits: ABC News)
NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley were longtime rivals throughout their stellar careers. Even after years of retiring from their NBA careers, Shaq and Barkley have continued challenging each other. So exactly who can bench press more, Charles Barkley or Shaquille O’Neal?
Charles Barkley, despite never clinching an NBA championship, undoubtedly had a remarkable individual career that showcased his exceptional talent and skill on the basketball court. Throughout his impressive 16-season tenure in the league, Barkley consistently stood out as one of the finest players of his generation.
On the other hand, Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy in the NBA is nothing short of legendary. His illustrious professional career saw him secure an impressive four NBA Championships, a testament to his sheer dominance on the court. Both Barkley and Shaq have occasionally clashed in heated altercations, even during their broadcasting careers as analysts.
Also Read: Is Shaquille O’Neal Muslim? How did he get his name?
Shaquille O’Neal’s bench press record
Shaq’s physique is one too remarkable standing at 7-foot-1. The former NBA star has a fantastic bench press record that even many professional bodybuilders would be envious of.
In an interview, Shaq was asked about the highest he could bench press in his life. To this, Shaq replied, “My max was 475.”
“I’m up to 415 now. I’ve got a bad shoulder, but I’m trying to get back to that. In my prime, I did it twice.”, the NBA legend continued.
When asked about the greatest moment when his strength was put to test, Shaq narrated a rather heroic incident that dates back to his teens.
“When I was about 14 years old, one of my friends got hit by a car. He was under it a little bit”, Shaq reflected. “It was a small car—like a Volkswagen Bug—but I lifted it up just enough for him to get his leg out.”
This story is truly remarkable and speaks volumes of the NBA legend’s physical strength. The fact that a 14-year-old was strong enough to lift a vehicle, even if it was by a little, is a testament to his physical valor.
Charles Barkley vs Shaquille O’Neal’s bench press showdown
Shaq and Charles Barkley have once faced off in an epic bench press contest with Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg as spectators. In the Pain & Gain Liftoff challenge, both of them had to complete the highest number of bench presses with varying weights.
There were weights of 135 pounds in the first round, 225 pounds in the second, 315 pounds in the third, and 405 pound in the final round of the showdown. Both Barkley and Shaq made it through the first three rounds of the Pain & Gain Liftoff challenge successfully.
It was in the Final round that Charles Barkley triumphed over Shaq in the 405-pound bench press challenge. “Shaquille is a sore loser,” Barkley joked after beating Shaq.
Although Shaquille O’Neal seems to be the stronger one between Barkley and himself, the Round Mound of Rebound won the duel in bench press.
FAQs
The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Charles Barkley in the 1984 NBA draft.
The Orlando Magic drafted Shaq in the 1992 NBA draft.
Shaquille O’Neal won three Finals MVPs during his three-peat Championship campaign with the LA Lakers.
Charles Barkley played college basketball at Auburn University prior to his NBA career.
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Anjum Ash.
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