Gerald Washington, a big man looking to do big things

By Michael Montero - 09/18/2014 - Comments

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If you fancy yourself a heavyweight boxing fan, especially American heavyweights with an exciting style, then undefeated prospect Gerald Washington (14-0, 10KO) is someone you need to keep an eye on. The 6’6” 250 pound physical specimen turned pro two summers ago at the advanced age of 30. And it’s been quite a journey that has led the California native to the ring.

Growing up in the bay area, the son of a Mexican mother and black father, Washington served in the United States Navy before earning a scholarship to play football at the University of Southern California. The gifted athlete was briefly a member of the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills practice squad, but was eventually cut and made the decision to focus solely on the fight game. However make no mistake; this is not your typical “former football – new to boxing” heavyweight project.

“I started boxing at the Omega Boys & Girls Club (in Vallejo, CA)”, says Washington. “I used to go there after school. That’s where I started my boxing career when I was seven years old.” Nicknamed ‘El Gallo Negro’ (the black rooster), he explained, “My mother’s from Mexico and my father is African-American; I just wanted a nickname that represented both sides. The rooster is a famous fighting bird. I just thought it fit perfect for me.”

Although all of his fights have been under the Golden Boy Promotions banner, Washington is technically a promotional free agent. He’s been training in Burbank with John Pullman, who spoke on the situation. “He (Gerald) is only contractually tied to advisor Al Haymon,” he said, “It’s been a blessing to work with them. They’ve been nothing but kind and generous and great for us.” The greatest advantage to being unsigned is the freedom to fight against and/or train with anyone. Recently Pullman has been in talks with Bermane Stiverne’s team, who are interested in bringing Washington to their camp to help prepare for Deontay Wilder.

Washington’s last fight was on August 22nd against durable veteran Nagy Aguilera (19-9, 13KO), who took the prospect all eight rounds to the final bell. The experience was invaluable, and it made Gerald only hungrier for bigger challenges. “I definitely love a challenge, I love fighting the best”, he says, “Whoever’s out there that’s gonna get me to move forward, I’m definitely willing to take a challenge all the time.” Pullman also talked on future tests. “We definitely want to keep progressing, but I’d love to get some more guys like Nagy,” he says, “Durable guys, a lot of experience, they’re coming to fight and they’re gonna make you work. Those are the kind of fights that we want right now”

Gerald Washington, the accomplished military veteran and college man comes off confident, yet humble and mature. In regards to long-term goals and dreams, El Gallo Negro made it clear. “I feel like I can fight with anyone in the world at this point,” he says, “I’m working to get my skill level up so I can be like Klitschko one day and hold the title for ten years myself.”

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