Just a few weeks ago, former NFL All-Pro Chad Johnson announced on the I Am Athlete podcast that he would participate in his debut boxing match on the undercard of the Mayweather-Paul boxing exhibition. Not long thereafter, it was announced that his opponent would be none other than mixed martial artist Brian Maxwell. Less than 48 hours away from the fight, the two will sit down for their final pre-fight press conference.
While Johnson is still an amateur boxer by record, he does have a bit of experience. He has spent extensive time training with both Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the Charlo brothers. Given his time training and working out, Johnson believes that he can step into the ring and put on a good show.
“I’m transitioning that flair you saw from me on the football field all into this sport,” Johnson said.
“To me, my style is like Emanuel Augustus. Once I got those basic fundamentals down to a tee, I could add that trickery to my game.”
On the opposite end, Brian Maxwell sees this fight as an opportunity to make a name for himself. Maxwell doesn’t have any experience boxing, but he does know what it’s like to take a punch. He has spent a good portion of his career fighting in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
“This is what I do and this is not my first rodeo. It’s game time… I want to put him away. My confidence is at its highest. I have refound myself. This is not my coming out party, this is the reawakening of Brian Maxwell,” Maxwell countered.
“This is special to me, this is my 12th professional fight. It’s super special to me.”
Friday’s press event at the JW Mariott in Miami, Florida will not only feature Johnson and Maxwell. Jarett Hurd, Luis Arias, Baodu Jack and Dervin Colina will also take part in the press event. The event is set to begin this morning at 11 a.m. ET. Watch via Showtime Sports below.
