Shaq: 'I held back' during boxing match against De La Hoya

LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 18: Shaquille O' Neal (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers and boxer Oscar De La Hoya pose as they tape a segment for the new ABC television series 'Shaq Vs.' at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino August 18, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The reality show, which launches tonight, follows O'Neal as he competes against star athletes in their respective sports.
Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty

Shaquille O'Neal claims he went easy on Oscar De La Hoya during their 2009 boxing match.

The five-round fight, which was filmed for the first season of the reality show "Shaq Vs.," saw the 5-foot-10 De La Hoya defeat the 7-foot-1 O'Neal by unanimous decision. But, in an interview with TMZ Sports, O'Neal explained he didn't want to hurt De La Hoya.

"I held back, because he's my friend," O'Neal said.

O'Neal then suggested the cameraman watch his fight against boxing legend "Sugar" Shane Mosley, where he "turned it up a little."

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