Celebrity boxing is evolving into a new major segment of entertainment. And former All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson is the latest ex-athlete to get involved in the world of celebrity boxing. Johnson will be competing on the undercard of the much awaited Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul undercard.
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Johnson is best known for his days as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, making six Pro Bowls and getting First-Team All-Pro honors on three occasions. His outsized personality and creative touchdown celebrations made him one of the more prominent names in the NFL.
Chad Johnson will fight on June 6th.
Chad Johnson, formerly known as Chad Ochocinco, will be making his amateur boxing debut on June 6th. Johnson’s celebrity or athlete opponent is yet to be announced and it is speculated that the bout will be either 4 rounds or 6 rounds.
Other expected pro fights on the undercard include Badou Jack vs. Jean Pascal for the WBA regular lightweight title and former light middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd returning to the ring for the first time in 1½ years vs. Luis Arias.
Johnson revealed on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast that he was approached by Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather’s manager, about the opportunity of participating on the undercard. Johnson trained for years at Mayweather’s boxing club in the offseason when he was an NFL player and has long been a combat sports fan, but this will be his first big stage exhibition fight.
The headline event with be Floyd Mayweather vs 26-yearl-old youtuber Logan Paul. Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs), 44, retired after defeating MMA star Conor McGregor by 10th-round TKO in a boxing match in 2017 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. And now Mayweather will be putting his undefeated legacy on the line against Paul.
Chad Johnson was elite during his time in the NFL. And he expects that he will be great during his new venture as well. But at 43, Ocho will be taking a big risk. Regardless, Johnsons boxing debut will be highly anticipated.
