Boston Celtics center O'Neal pulls down a rebound against Los Angeles Lakers forward Artest in the first half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles
Boston Celtics center O'Neal pulls down a rebound against Los Angeles Lakers forward Artest in the first half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Reuters

Recently retired NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal says he would like to fight Ron Artest in a mixed martial arts fight.

Shaq, who will join Charles Barkley on TNT basketball telecasts next season, would also like to challenge the Round Mound of Rebound in the ring, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Artest, who will forever be known for sparking the wildly entertaining "Malice at the Palace" brawl in 2004 between his Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons, has not responded to Shaq’s proposal.

Artest is the only active player Shaq mentioned, suggesting the NBA may have become soft.

The rest of the people Shaq would like to fight are mostly retired players whom he described as “old school” including Charles Oakley, Karl Malone, Xavier McDaniel and Danny Ainge -- all of whom were known to frequently mix it up on the court.

However, it is surprising Shaq didn't mention Bill Laimbeer.

Court Tnt Los Angeles Basketball