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Why is Chad Johnson boxing and who is he fighting

The six-time Pro Bowler makes his boxing debut in an exhibition ahead of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul fight on Sunday, June 6th

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Chad Ochocinco speaks during The SHAQ Bowl for Super Bowl LV on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson is getting into the boxing ring for the first time this weekend.

The six-time Pro Bowler will be on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul fight on Sunday night in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. Though it’s technically a four-round exhibition, it’s a chance for Johnson to have some fun in a sport he’s publicly stated he won’t be participating in full-time ever.

“This is a one-time thing,” Johnson said as part of the publicity ahead of his fight. “I’ve done some crazy things in life, and this is one to add and scratch off the bucket list. I’m coming in there to have fun and entertain.”

His opponent is Brian Maxwell, who has participated in MMA, boxing, and bare-knuckle fighting in his career. While he has wins in other disciplines, he’s 0-3 in boxing matches. This one won’t count towards his record either, as it’s just an exhibition. So even if he knocks out Ocho Cinco, it won’t count or be announced as a win, or be counted as part of the record of either fighter. There also won’t be judges scoring.

It’s not the first cross-sport thing Johnson has done. A huge soccer fan, he once signed with Boca Raton FC, a semi-pro team in his native South Florida. He even scored twice for the club in a big win. He also wasn’t afraid to lose a few dollars playing pick-up soccer during the Super Bowl this year in Tampa.