NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is undoubtedly one of the greatest centers to ever step onto the NBA hardwood, but the Big Diesel is also an actor, sports analyst, rapper, DJ, and highly successful businessman. And he is also a huge bodybuilding fan. Shaq was named the 2020 Honorary Olympia Ambassador, and he wanted ‘The Persian Beast’ Hadi Choopan to win Mr. Olympia 2019 for having the most muscles.

Over the past few years, Shaq has become an avid supporter of the Olympia weekend. Shaq does not have any bodybuilding ambitions for himself but he follows the sport with great curiosity. And being a powerhouse in business and entertainment, Dan Solomun, the COO of the event, found it appropriate to name Shaq as the brand ambassador. Shaq was even in attendance at the 2019 Olympia event.

But Shaq feels there should have been a different winner at the 2019 event.

Shaquille O’Neal wanted Hadi Choopan to win over Brandon Curry

Shaquille O’Neal was busy promoting the event, but he did have time to do an Instagram live event with Solomun, and his trainer, Roc Shabazz in 2020. He talked about his love for the sport and how he has been pushing himself to get fit over the last few years.

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And he also voiced his thoughts on the previous year’s winner. Shaq said he wanted to see the Persian Beast Hadi Choopan win over Brandon Curry. He said, “Roc says he was probably too big. I don’t know what any of that means. I just look at who has the most muscles.” 

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But he did give his props to Brandon. He said, “Brandon’s been a hard worker, and he deserved it”. Shaq also said that he wants to see Kai Greene return to the stage but he is excited to see seven-time champ Phil Heath come back to the grand stage.

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend has been working out with Shabazz for over six years now and he said his motivation was not to look like his good friend, Charles Barkley. He says watching bodybuilding helped him get motivated, and he started working out after that. His trainer has helped several celebrities get into shape and he has seemingly been doing the same with Shaq.