Monday 21 November 2016 16:56, UK
Gerald Washington says he is the heavyweight who can bring the "best fight" to Anthony Joshua and has vowed to force his way into the IBF champion's future plans.
The unbeaten American will be watching with interest when Joshua makes the second defence of the IBF title against his compatriot Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Washington is not ranked highly by the IBF, despite his 19-fight unbeaten record, but is closing in on a shot at the WBC belt, which is currently held by Deontay Wilder.
And the ambitious Californian is confident he will seize his chance to take the WBC title next year, then secure a unification clash against Joshua.
I'm the one. I'm just waiting for them to let me off the leash and when they do let me off the leash, I'm tearing it up.
"If he wants the best fight, Anthony Joshua, then I'm your man. I'm the one that has it all. I've got the whole package," Washington exclusively told Sky Sports.
"I'm the one. I'm just waiting for them to let me off the leash and when they do let me off the leash, I'm tearing it up.
"AJ punches hard, but I have defence. These guys are standing toe to toe and trying to take the punches. You have to disarm the man. I have the ring intelligence now and the experience to do that.
"Now I can deliver my dangerous punches and that's what is going to make the difference when I fight all of these guys. They can't touch me, and I can touch them, and that will be it."
Alexander Povetkin will battle Bermane Stiverne for the right to become Wilder's mandatory challenger on December 17, and Washington hopes he is next in line for a crack at the WBC belt.
The 34-year-old, who is No 7 in the WBC rankings, said: "The way I see it, I'm going to fight Deontay Wilder, take his WBC belt, and then I would love to come over there.
"If Anthony Joshua wants to come to the United States, then he can come get it over here.
"That's how I see my 2017 going and until that time happens, I'm going to continue to get better."
Watch Anthony Joshua v Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena, on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
