Burbank, California (June 6, 2013) - It was just over 3 years ago that Heavyweight prospect Gerald Washington realized that his career was better suited for the squared circle than the gridiron. After a successful career at the University of Southern California (USC) and subsequent tryouts for NFL teams, Washington decided to try his fate in the sweet science.
His choice of career change would be a good one as Washington did well in the amateur ranks and decided to turn professional in 2012. Since then, the former USC standout has caught the attention of boxing aficionados everywhere, catapulting his career off to an impressive 7-0 (5 KO's) record. On Saturday evening, June 8, 2013, Washington will face his toughest opponent to date in journeyman Sherman Williams 35-12-2 (19 KO's) in his first televised bout on Showtime Extreme (SHO Extreme).
It may seem bittersweet for Washington and he is hoping to make the best of his opportunity. Washington did not take a traditional path to the sport of boxing and worked hard to get there.
Washington grew up in a humble household in Vallejo, California. A son to a single mother of Mexican descent and a father that was African-American, Washington was blessed to have both parents in his life. He stayed with his mother during the weekdays and spent the weekends with his father and stepmother.
At the age of 12 years old, Washington was sent to live with his godmother in Mexico to experience a part of his culture. He learned a lot from his experience and later moved back to the states. After graduating fromWashington-Pullman high school, Washington decided to join the United States Navy and completed his four year enlistment under honorable conditions in 2004.
After his enlistment in the Navy, Washington attended Chaffey Junior College in Rancho Cucamonga and excelled as a tight end earning him a scholarship to USC. Washington displayed his athleticism at USC and would play both tight end and defensive end. In 2009, he graduated with a degree in Sociology from USC and later had multiple interests from NFL teams.
After trying out for the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks, Washington realized his passion was for the sport of boxing. As a youth mentor and boxing coach for the Youth Activities League with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, he re-discovered his love for the sweet science. As he trained the youth and applied the techniques that he was teaching towards himself, he realized he could be heavyweight champion of world.
Washington now has an opportunity to showcase his skills to the world as he will be debuting on live television via SHO Extreme on the under cardWashington of the highly anticipated bout between sluggers Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Washington has been under the tutelage of trainer John Pullman and has been training diligently for his upcoming bout with Williams. Taking a break from training at Pullman's Gym in Burbank, California, Washington was asked about his thoughts on his first live televised bout: "I'm really excited and appreciative of the opportunity to fight on live television. I put in the hard work during training camp with my team and I'm getting better everyday. I can't wait to get in the ring and showcase my talents for the world to see."
"The opportunity that I have just brings me one step closer to a world title bout and eventually that world championship belt around my waist."
When his trainer John Pullman was asked about Washington's upcoming bout and future, he stated that: "Gerald is ready and did all the work he needed to do to prepare himself for this bout. This is his toughest opponent to date and from what he has shown in his work ethic, I truly believe he will shut this guy down. He has all the tools necessary in becoming the heavyweight champion of the world."
Washington was later asked about his future and stated the following: "With this bout, I'm hoping to grab the attention of the boxing world. I'm definitely on the rise and I'm improving everyday. Heavyweights: take notice because I'm coming to fight the best and clean up the division. I'm going to bring the world title back to the United States where it belongs."
Jerry Gonzalez
Publicist
559-643-9313
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2009 - GERALD WASHINGTON INTERVIEW - by Steven Arredondo