Tuesday 21 February 2017 14:38, UK
Gerald Washington intends to take Deontay Wilder’s world heavyweight championship then defend it in the UK.
Unbeaten Washington is the fifth challenger to Wilder's WBC crown this Saturday, live on Sky Sports, but is eager to play his part in the thriving British scene.
"I would love to, to be a real world champion," he told Behind The Gloves.
I would love to go to the UK and fight in a stadium. I played in the [USC Trojans college football team's] LA Coliseum in front of 93,000 people so I know what it is to be in front of those people.
"But I know those guys are getting ready to make their move over here. Anthony Joshua wants to fight in the States.
"But I would love to go to the UK and fight in a stadium. I played in the [USC Trojans college football team's] LA Coliseum in front of 93,000 people so I know what it is to be in front of those people. I know the energy it brings, you've got to be ready. Boxing is a mental game."
Washington is a late replacement for Andrzej Wawrzyk but the former American football prospect believes fate is on his side.
"I'm ready to shock the world," he said. "Muhammad Ali beat Sonny Liston on February 25 to capture the heavyweight championship of the world, and it's my turn to do the same."
Deontay Wilder vs Gerald Washington is live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday morning from 1am.
