Washington turned pro in 1989 at light-heavy and in 1990 lost a decision to a fighter named K.Casimier with a 2–6–1 record.
Washington was caught in a bizarre incident in which he was unable to continue after being cut by bumping his head against a TV camera in the 11th round.
The following year and one weight class higher, he beat an out-of ashape Iran Barkley on cuts and took on WBC Cruiserweight Title holder Anaclet Wamba, but failed to gain the title in a draw.
One year later, he scored a rare KO over hard-punching contender Izegwire and took on Orlin Norris for the WBA Cruiserweight Title and again came up short by a razor-thin decision.
In 1999 he took on James Toney, the only man to stop him inside the distance, after Washington was bleeding excessively from his nose.