Shaquille O’Neal Bets $1 Million on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Boxing Match

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is going all-in for Mike Tyson as the legendary boxer prepares to step back into the ring to face Jake Paul this Friday.

The highly anticipated bout, set to be broadcast on Netflix, marks Tyson’s return as he looks to secure his first professional victory since 2003. Meanwhile, Paul, 27, aims to add Tyson’s name to his list of triumphs.

On Thursday’s episode of The Dan Patrick Show, O’Neal made it clear where his allegiance lies, revealing he’s placing a significant wager on the 58-year-old boxing icon. “I’m placing one this weekend. Mike Tyson baby. All the way,” Shaq declared. When pressed about the size of his bet, the NBA legend responded with unwavering confidence: “A lot… One million.”

Despite Shaq’s faith in Tyson, betting odds present a different narrative. As of now, Jake Paul is the favorite with odds of -205 on FanDuel, while Tyson stands as the +168 underdog.

Shaq has been vocal about his belief in Tyson’s knockout power. Back in March, on an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, he stated, “I know he can [knock Jake Paul out].” Yet, O’Neal has also expressed concerns about Tyson’s age. Reflecting on his own time as a pro athlete, he noted, “Father time. … I’m just saying. Like, if we could all do it, I’d still be playing [in the NBA].”

The Tyson-Paul bout will make boxing history as the fight with the largest age gap between competitors, with Tyson being 31 years older than Paul. Originally scheduled for the summer, the fight was postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer in May.

As fight night approaches, the stakes are higher than ever—not just for Tyson and Paul, but for Shaq, whose $1 million bet adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Do you think Shaquille O’Neal’s confidence in Mike Tyson will pay off, or will Jake Paul prove the oddsmakers right? Share your thoughts below and let us know who you think will come out on top!