Former heavyweight titleholder Charles Martin outboxed, outworked and then stopped Gerald Washington is Round 6 on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury card Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Martin (28-2-1, 25) had built a lead on the cards when he landed an overhand left to the chin, which sent Washington to the canvas flat on his back.
The former football got up fairly quickly on wobbly legs but, obviously dazed, he was in no condition to fight. Referee Tony Weeks took one good look into Washington’s eyes and waved off the fight at 1:57.
The fight was billed as a title eliminator.
Martin has won three consecutive fights since losing his title to Anthony Joshua by knockout and Adam Kownacki by decision in a span of four fights.
Washington (20-4-1, 13 KOs) has now lost four of his last six fights, all by stoppage. At 37, he will be hard pressed to remain a contender.