The rivalry between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith has taken an intriguing turn, as speculation about a potential boxing match between the two figures continues to gain traction. According to recent reports, Damon Feldman, the founder of Celebrity Boxing, is making moves to possibly set up a high-profile bout that has caught the attention of investors, with whispers that some could even be from Saudi Arabia.
However, while the idea of seeing these two titans trade blows in the ring might captivate fans, several hurdles could impede this spectacle from materializing. For starters, both James and Smith are well-established in their respective fields, meaning they don’t necessarily need the financial gain that such a match might bring. Additionally, there’s been a suggestion from Smith himself that in a physical showdown, James would undoubtedly have the upper hand. This adds another layer of complexity to the feasibility of the match.
This latest twist comes on the heels of some playful trolling on social media, where James posted a video showcasing Smith sparring. His post was laced with lighthearted mockery, accompanied by a caption filled with laughing emojis, signaling he isn’t intimidated in the least by Smith’s boxing skills.
The roots of this feud can be traced back to a confrontation during a Lakers game in early March 2025, when Smith criticized LeBron’s son, Bronny. James, stepping into protective dad mode, confronted Smith, which led to some backtracking on Smith’s part regarding his comments. Yet, the friction didn’t just fade away; it intensified, with Smith later acknowledging the emotional weight behind James’ reaction, saying, “That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me; that was a parent, that was a father.”
In the aftermath, their exchanges have turned into a kind of public sparring as Smith has labeled LeBron as “petty” on his First Take show, further fueling the flames of their rivalry.
As fans, we can only watch and wait to see how this plays out. While a boxing match may seem unlikely—a spectacle more suited for entertainment than a serious showdown—the unfolding drama holds the promise of a resolution, whether it’s in the ring or through another form of reconciliation. What’s clear is that this feud has captured the attention of sports fans everywhere, making it one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
