Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey/ Premier Boxing Champions
WBC heavyweight titlist Deontay Wilder used a sneaky right hand to erase a growing deficit and score a come from behind knockout of Gerald Washington.
The prevailing narrative before last night was that Washington, a former football player with limited experience at the elite level, wouldn’t be able to hang with a nine-year veteran like Wilder. But for the majority of the five rounds this lasted, it was Wilder who look indecisive and unable to deal with Washington’s offense. Washington outboxed Wilder by pushing him back with jabs and landing short power shots before clinches. The strategy had Wilder reluctant to get off first and dropping the first four rounds.
Lucky for Wilder, his immense power remains the equalizer. One short right hand dumped Washington on the canvas. He beat the count and was hit with a few more clean shots to force a debatable stoppage.
This was Wilder’s comeback fight from right hand and bicep surgery, so he’s entitled to a pass. However, there should be no more wasted time against no-hopers. Nine years in and having a competitive record comparable to Anthony Joshua is not a good look. The alleged plan of unifying with WBO titlist Joseph Parker and then against the winner of Klitschko-Joshua needs to be executed with no excuses.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 