Gerald Washington predicts stunning knockout win over WBC champion Deontay Wilder

Gerald Washington has vowed to "shock the world" with a stunning knockout win over heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. The unbeaten 34-year-old has been named as a replacement opponent for fellow American Wilder in Alabama on February 25 after original challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk tested positive for a banned substance.

Wilder returns to the ring in his hometown following a seven-month absence after suffering a broken hand and a torn bicep in his stoppage win over Chris Arreola last July. Wilder underwent surgery on his hand and bicep after defeating Chris Arreola. But Washington has played down the significance of these injuries and the former US Navy veteran is focusing only on fulfilling his long-term ambition of becoming a world champion.

"I'm definitely going to give Wilder the fight that the fans have been waiting for," Washington told. "I know he's worried about his arm a little bit, but I'm not looking at it like that. I'm looking at him like he's ready to go. I'm not relying on it, I'm expecting to see the best Deontay Wilder on February 25 and I'm preparing for it. I've been working these last four-and-a-half years for this moment right here. This is just the beginning. We're really excited and we're ready to rock."

Washington produced a dramatic knockout win over former world title challenger Ray Austin in his last fight and admits his battle with the big-hitting Wilder is likely to end before the final bell. He said: "Oh definitely. I know I'm fighting in his home state. They love him out there, that's their hometown boy, and I'm going to go in and take care of business. I just want to step to him, hurt him, and eventually wear him down and take him out. I don't want to leave it in the hands of the judges."

The Californian is paying little attention to critics who have questioned his credentials as a title challenger, but admits that all the expectation will be on Wilder's shoulders. "What would I say to any doubters? I don't have to say anything, they are going to see me work on February 25," said Washington. "They can make their own determination after that. I'm going to shock the world. Everyone is sleeping on me and I like it like that. I'm going to shock the world. Everyone is sleeping on me and I like it like that. I'm the underdog, nobody is expecting me to do anything, they are calling me a cherry, so I love it. All the pressure is off me and it's all on Deontay Wilder to handle his business."