Former USC football player Gerald Washington will fight Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title on Saturday night (5 p.m. PT on FOX). Washington, known as "El Gallo Negro" in the ring, is undefeated (18-0-1) in his late-blossoming boxing career, but Wilder will be his toughest test to date.
While Washington is a heavy underdog, this is the shot at glory for which the 34-year-old has been patiently waiting.
"This felt like destiny. It's my time," Washington told ESPN about the bout. "We're very excited for the opportunity. Man, it's a dream come true and I look forward to fighting Deontay Wilder in his backyard for the WBC title. It's an amazing opportunity for me and we are ready to take the challenge on."
Click here for an ESPN feature on Washington.
Click here for a Vice Sports profile on Washington.
If Washington can defy the odds, he plans on redecorating Heritage Hall, so the heavyweight belt hangs with all the other sporting accomplishments of Trojan greats.
"Put it right next to the Heisman Trophies," he told Vice Sports. "That's going to be crazy."
While Washington is a heavy underdog, this is the shot at glory for which the 34-year-old has been patiently waiting.
"This felt like destiny. It's my time," Washington told ESPN about the bout. "We're very excited for the opportunity. Man, it's a dream come true and I look forward to fighting Deontay Wilder in his backyard for the WBC title. It's an amazing opportunity for me and we are ready to take the challenge on."
Click here for an ESPN feature on Washington.
Click here for a Vice Sports profile on Washington.
If Washington can defy the odds, he plans on redecorating Heritage Hall, so the heavyweight belt hangs with all the other sporting accomplishments of Trojan greats.
"Put it right next to the Heisman Trophies," he told Vice Sports. "That's going to be crazy."
