HispanicBusiness

Shaquille O'Neal is set to star in a new reality show debuting Aug. 18 on the ABC Television Network. The series, called 'Shaq Vs.' will see the Cleveland Cavaliers' new center square off against elite athletes in their respective sports.

The series could help bring to reality the eternal "what if" scenarios sports fans come up with, like "what if a 7' 2", 300-plus pound man decided pursue football, volleyball, or boxing instead of basketball." Oscar de la Hoya, the now-retired, all-time great boxer, will help answer the latter question. According to ABC, "O'Neal will negotiate a handicap with his opponent and train with a coach for one week leading up to each challenge."

The series will naturally spotlight O'Neal's lauded sense of humor in a very visible forum. While fans can regularly see Shaq's often goofy, frequently clever, and always spirited humor on his Twitter page (http://twitter.com/THE_REAL_SHAQ), the possibilities of a regular series in which Shaq clowns around in hopeless scenarios against Michael Phelps in swimming (scheduled to happen!) or Lance Armstrong in cycling (rumored at this point) portend endless comedic possibilities. And, who knows -- the seven-footer's wingspan may prove surprisingly deadly in a tennis match against Serena Williams.

The confirmed athletes and sports set to appear on the show, according to ABC's press release, follow:
-- vs. Michael Phelps; swimming;
-- vs. Ben Roethlisberger; football;
-- vs. Serena Williams; tennis;
-- vs. Oscar de la Hoya; boxing;
-- vs. Albert Pujols; baseball
-- vs. Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor; beach volleyball.

Should the show follow with a second season, this video should serve as a warning to whomever Shaq challenges in competitive dancing: