The 31 year-old, who has a perfect 11-fight record with eight stoppages, stands 6ft 5ins tall and has all the attributes to be a real force in the top division in the coming years.
Next up for ‘El Gallo Negro’ is big-punching Scott, 35, who brings a 16-1 record to the table and has stopped six of his ten knockouts in the first two rounds. ‘Strictly Business’ has won every fight since since controversially losing to Washington’s last opponent, Arron Lyons on his pro debut back in 2006, having taken eighteen months off to re-evaluate his career.
Washington stopped Lyons in five rounds and knows nothing but similarly focused performance against Scott will elevate him to towards those bigger name opponents. The California-based puncher is taking nothing for granted as fight number twelve approaches rapidly.
“Skipp Scott is a big man with skill and that is always a dangerous combination in the heavyweight division,” Washington told World Boxing News.
“I am preparing for the biggest fight of my career. It is going to be televised too and it’s the perfect opportunity to display my talents. I know that he wants to make his place in the division also so he will bring all he has.”
Since his career-best win over Sherman Williams in August of last year, Washington has been placed in the ‘world title prospect’ category with fellow undefeated boxers Lucas Browne, Anthony Joshua and stablemate Dominic Breazeale (who also fights on the bill), amongst others. The Golden Boy fighter’s three wins since then have certainly been scrutinised in much closer order and Washington is looking to snare a spot on this year’s biggest event in May.
“The recognition is good and it is just a sign that my hard work is paying off,” said Washington. “I work hard and study my craft everyday to one day be the heavyweight champion of the world. I am willing fight anyone to get there.
“I know that those big names will come and they will help me get closer to my goal, but I have a great trainer in John Pullman and we are prepared to take on the world.
“I am hoping to fight on Mayweather’s undercard because I know the world will be watching and I want all the heavyweights to know that I am coming to clean up the division and bring excitement back to the heavyweight division.
“My plan for the rest of the year is to continue to work hard and master my craft. My job isn’t getting any easier and I am confident that Al Haymon will put me in position to fight for a title soon.
“I just have to keep beating the people they put in front of me and lord willing, I will reach my goals soon,” he added.
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