O’Neal was down to fight Leila Ali, the daughter of former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

O’Neal along with her manager/husband Ian Peters and trainer Lennox Daniels, who left for Abuja, Nigeria, on January 15 told Chronicle Sport that they were well received and accommodated on arrival on January 3. He also said the Nigerian authorities were very pleased after O’Neal showed up for her fight.

Some 13 bodyguards were also assigned to O’Neal’s team.

According to her manager, Ali was given a sum of money to travel to Nigeria but never showed up for the January 10 fight date, which was to raise money to combat AIDS and people trafficking.

Her non-appearance has angered the Nigerians, according to Peters.

He said that Ali’s Absolute Promotions Group was given all the monies including his wife’s purse.

Peters said they have since contacted O’Neal’s promoter who lives in Barbados to see what can be done.

Even though the fight did not materialise O’Neal was privileged to address a huge crowd on the ring date.