Gerald Washington didn’t set out to be a boxer.

No, before taking up the sport in 2012, the undefeated heavyweight worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic.

He went on to the University of Southern California, where he was a two-way athlete at tight end and defensive end.

He later spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads before turning to the sweet science.

Now 16-0-1 with 11 knockouts, the 33-year-old Washington will get a chance to show that he has found his true calling when he faces Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 knockouts) in a scheduled 10-rounder.

Washington and Rivas will open a “Showtime Championship Boxing” tripleheader (10 p.m. ET) Feb. 27 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Showtime announced on Tuesday.

The telecast also features two world title fights: Featherweight titlist Leo Santa Cruz faces Kiko Martinez in the main event while junior featherweight titleholder Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz square square off in a rematch.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting so close to home in front of all my friends and family,” the 6-foot-6 Washington said in a statement. “Oscar Rivas is a hard puncher but he’s never faced anyone as big and strong as I am. I’m anxious to get in the ring and continue to prove myself on my way to a world title opportunity.”

Rivas is a 2008 Olympian from Colombia, who now lives in Montreal.