Chad Javon Johnson, also known as Chad Ochocinco, the former NFL wide receiver, has always been one to embrace new challenges. Known for his flamboyant personality and competitive spirit on the football field, Johnson surprised many by stepping into the boxing ring. This article delves into his boxing debut, motivations, and the experience he gained from this new venture.
Johnson with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006
The Debut Fight: Johnson vs. Maxwell
Chad Johnson's boxing debut took place at Hard Rock Stadium against Brian Maxwell, a professional combat fighter. The fight was part of the undercard for the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Logan Paul event. Despite the excitement and anticipation, Johnson faced a tough challenge in Maxwell.
The fight went the distance and there was no official judging, so no winner was declared. Maxwell, 33, claimed victory after the fight, saying, "Ask the world who Brian Maxwell is now. Brian Maxwell is here. Thank you, Chad. It was an honor to fight my idol." Maxwell is currently a bare-knuckle fighter with an 0-3 record with two losses by knockouts. He also was 0-1 in standard boxing fights and 2-3 in MMA fights.
A big right hook from Brian Maxwell dropped him to the canvas midway through the fourth round. Getting knocked down will be the highlight that comes out of Ochocinco's journey into the ring Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Johnson, 43, can take pride in getting up from the punch as he finished the four-round exhibition against a professional combat fighter in Maxwell.
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Johnson came out strong, winning the first round after landing a solid right jab and an impactful left hook multiple times. Johnson was outlanded 17-14 by Maxwell, per CompuBox.
Motivations and Mindset
Johnson's decision to enter the boxing world was rooted in his desire to continue challenging himself and experiencing new things. "My life has always been about taking chances and doing crazy stuff -- this was on my bucket list," Johnson said. "This was a message to everyone out there: Don't be scared to take chances. Don't be afraid to fail. It's OK."
He approached boxing with the same competitive drive that defined his NFL career. "That competitive drive and hunger is still there. I just could never get it through football because football had ended, so that competitive drive and wanting to be great at something no matter what it is, it’s still in me."
Johnson maintained an entertainment career, including acting roles and more, throughout his NFL career and into a retirement that began when the Dolphins released him in 2012. “To have something to lock in on mentally, to see how great I can be at it in a short amount of time, that’s exciting to me.
“You gotta just have some type of fight in you and that courage and willingness to step out of your comfort zone,” Johnson said. Johnson is urging anyone feeling fear to “take some damn chances in life.”
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“[The feeling is] similar to that of a football game,” said Johnson, who spent most of his NFL career with the Bengals (2001-2010), the team that selected him with the No. 36-overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. “Yes, I’m scared. I [was] scared before every football game. Any competitive event before you go into it, there’s a sense of nervousness and fear, it’s supposed to be,” he said, noting that his fear doesn’t outweigh his desire to step into the ring with Maxwell. “[I’m] not literally scared to the point where, ‘I don’t want to do this,’ but yes, scared, of course. “I’m outside of my element. It’s something new for me, something I’ve never done before to this magnitude. Obviously I’ve been in the ring [before], I’ve sparred for years, but now, it’s the real deal.
Chad Johnson (l.), Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul pose at Hard Rock Stadium
Training and Preparation
Leading up to the event, Johnson dedicated himself to rigorous training. He spent three weeks in Houston, working with boxing champions Jermall and Jermell Charlo. “It’s hard. “I would go with Jermall in the morning and Jermell in the evening and it was extremely hard.
Johnson spent two months training for this boxing opportunity, including a few weeks with brother titlists Jermall and Jermell Charlo. He also did some work with UFC star Jorge Masvidal.
Johnson’s can-do attitude, fearless nature and animated personality all contribute to his admirable confidence - a weapon he plans to use while entertaining viewers. “You have to be confident in everything that you do,” he said. “If you’re unsure about it, you go back to the drawing board until you are. It all comes from within. It’s the way I’ve always been.
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Reactions and Reflections
The fight garnered significant attention, with numerous NFL figures in attendance to support Johnson. There were plenty of spectators with NFL ties in the building to see Johnson's first bout, including Terrell Owens, who was in his corner showing him love after the fight. Other attendees included Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, rookie wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive backs Shaquill Griffin, Rayshawn Jenkins and Sidney Jones, former wideout Brandon Marshall and former linebacker Channing Crowder.
The fans at Hard Rock Stadium were heavily in favor of Johnson, who is a Miami native. They gave him cheers before and after the fight.
Johnson told the "I Am Athlete" podcast that Mayweather manager Leonard Ellerbe offered him a chance to potentially make a "cool million" for this fight and that he couldn't turn it down.
One week before the fight, Ochocinco told ESPN his goal was for "people who are buying tickets, people that are showing up, I want them to leave and say, 'I doubted Ocho, but to see him get in the ring, knowing that someone tried to kill [him]. He put on one hell of a f---ing show.'"
The big story will be Johnson suffering a meme-worthy knockdown, but overall he did achieve his goal. He entertained and performed better than many expected. "I lost my virginity tonight and it was fun," Johnson said.
Although he’s living in the present, it’s likely his future isn’t in the ring. “I don’t know about the future, because it would be disrespectful to those who’ve been doing this their entire life. I think this will be fun.
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