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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Chad Johnson’s boxing debut was off to a surprisingly spectacular displaying till halfway by way of the fourth spherical when an enormous proper hook from Brian Maxwell dropped him to the canvas.
Getting knocked down would be the spotlight that comes out of Ochocinco’s journey into the ring Sunday evening at Laborious Rock Stadium.
Johnson, 43, can take satisfaction in getting up from the punch as he completed the four-round exhibition in opposition to an expert fight fighter in Maxwell.
“My life has at all times been about taking probabilities and doing loopy stuff — this was on my bucket listing,” Johnson mentioned. “This was a message to everybody on the market: Do not be scared to take probabilities. Do not be afraid to fail. It is OK.”
The battle went the space and there was no official judging, so no winner was declared.
Maxwell, 33, claimed victory after the battle, saying, “Ask the world who Brian Maxwell is now. Brian Maxwell is right here. Thanks, Chad. It was an honor to battle my idol.”
Maxwell is at the moment a bare-knuckle fighter with an 0-3 file with two losses by knockouts. He additionally was 0-1 in customary boxing fights and 2-3 in MMA fights.
Johnson-Maxwell was the primary battle on the primary card of Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul, and it was surprisingly entertaining for an exhibition bout.
There have been loads of spectators with NFL ties within the constructing to see Johnson’s first bout, together with Terrell Owens, who was in his nook displaying him love after the battle. Different attendees included Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, rookie huge receiver Jaylen Waddle, former wideout Brandon Marshall and former linebacker Channing Crowder.
The followers at Laborious Rock Stadium have been closely in favor of Johnson, who’s a Miami native. They gave him cheers earlier than and after the battle.
Johnson spent two months coaching for this boxing alternative, together with a number of weeks with brother titlists Jermall and Jermell Charlo. He additionally did some work with UFC star Jorge Masvidal.
Johnson got here out robust, profitable the primary spherical after touchdown a strong proper jab and an impactful left hook a number of instances. Johnson was outlanded 17-14 by Maxwell, per CompuBox.
Johnson instructed the “I Am Athlete” podcast that Mayweather supervisor Leonard Ellerbe provided him an opportunity to doubtlessly make a “cool million” for this battle and that he could not flip it down.
One week earlier than the battle, Ochocinco instructed ESPN his purpose was for “people who find themselves shopping for tickets, individuals which are displaying up, I need them to go away and say, ‘I doubted Ocho, however to see him get within the ring, understanding that somebody tried to kill [him]. He placed on one hell of a f—ing present.'”
The massive story will likely be Johnson struggling a meme-worthy knockdown, however general he did obtain his purpose. He entertained and carried out higher than many anticipated.
“I misplaced my virginity tonight and it was enjoyable,” Johnson mentioned. “I believe I am prepared for [Conor] McGregor.”
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