Winky Wright
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Ronald Lamont "Winky" Wright (born November 26, 1971) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1990 to 2012.[2] He is a two-time light middleweight world champion and was the last to hold the undisputed title at that weight until Jermell Charlo in 2022.[3] In his later career he also challenged for a unified middleweight world title. He announced his retirement from boxing in 2012, following a loss to Peter Quillin.[4]

Key Information

In 2005, The Ring magazine ranked him as the world's second best active boxer, pound for pound. In 2017, it was announced that Wright had been elected as an International Boxing Hall of Fame member in the Modern Category, alongside Vitali Klitschko and Érik Morales, with the induction ceremony scheduled for June 2018. Wright is known for the use of the high guard and is widely considered one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time.[5][6][7]

Professional career

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Early years

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After his second-round knockout of Carlos Santana on July 30, 1992, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the ring announcer called him "Winky" Wright, the name given to him by his grandmother when he was 6 months old and that had unofficially stuck with him since he was 18 months old. The nickname stuck with him for the rest of his career following his win over Santana.

Major promoters like Don King and Lou Duva declined to work with Wright early in his career. His first promoters were the France-based Acaries brothers, who struck a deal for Wright to fight Darryl Lattimore in Luxembourg on January 1, 1993. Wright knocked Lattimore down three times and the fight was stopped. He then went on a tear during his tour of Europe, winning eight straight in France, Germany, and Monte Carlo while only fighting in the United States once over the next year.

First title shot

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On August 21, 1994, Wright received his first title match against WBA light-middleweight champion Julio César Vásquez in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France. Although he was 25–0 at the time, Wright had not fought in a match that had gone more than 8 rounds.[2] His inexperience showed as he lost a unanimous decision in controversial fashion, with Vasquez knocking down Wright in the second, seventh and ninth rounds, and twice in the twelfth round. Wright officially slipped three times and unofficially another four times while also appearing to win all but one round on points.[8]

On February 4, 1995, Wright defeated Tony Marshall by unanimous decision to win the vacant NABF light-middleweight title.[2]

Ongoing world tour and winning the WBO title

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Wright continued fighting in Europe, only fighting in the United States once, until his unanimous decision victory against Andrew Council on March 5, 1996. His impressive win opened the door to fight WBO light-middleweight champion Bronco McKart, a fight Wright won by split decision.[2] Wright successfully defend his title in England three times; twice in Manchester against local fighters Ensley Bingham and Steve Foster, and Adrian Dodson in London.[2]

Wright then traveled to South Africa where he lost his world title in controversial circumstances to the undefeated Harry Simon.[2] After a very close contest the fight was initially ruled a draw, then minutes later changed to a majority decision win for Simon due to an apparent scoring error.[9]

Moving to America

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He stopped working with the Acaries brothers in 1999, stating that he was tired of all the travelling. He went on to knock out Derrick Graham in the third round in Miami, Florida.[2] Wright then challenged IBF light-middleweight champion Fernando Vargas. Although some ringside fans and members of the media felt that Wright had won the fight, Vargas ended up winning a controversial majority decision.[2] Harold Lederman (a ringside boxing broadcaster for HBO whose job is to unofficially score fights) scored the bout 115–113, for Wright.[10]

Wright continued to defend the NABF and won the USBA light-middleweight title in another decision over Bronco McKart.[2]

IBF champion

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Main articles: Winky Wright vs. Bronco McKart III, Winky Wright vs. Juan Carlos Candelo, and Winky Wright vs. Ángel Hernández

Félix Trinidad's jump to the middleweight division left the IBF light-middleweight title vacant. Wright scored a unanimous decision over Robert Frazier on October 12, 2001 to win the vacant title.[2] In his first defense on February 2, 2002, Wright stopped Jason Papillion in the fifth round.[2] He took a third fight against Bronco McKart, which ended in controversy as the referee disqualified McKart for repeated low blows in the 8th round.[11]

For Wright's next fight, Oscar De La Hoya offered to fight him. However, because of the lack of money The Golden Boy was willing to give Wright for the fight, the deal fell through and Oscar fought Luis Ramon Campas for the WBA/WBC titles. Wright went on to debut on National Television Las Vegas against Juan Carlos Candelo on March 1, 2003 in a title defense, winning a unanimous decision.[2] He followed that up with another blowout victory over Angel Hernandez 8 months later.[2]

Wright vs. Mosley I & II

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Main articles: Shane Mosley vs. Winky Wright and Winky Wright vs. Shane Mosley II

To the surprise of many, including Wright, Shane Mosley challenged Winky to a light-middleweight unification title fight on March 13, 2004. Mosley was a celebrated fighter coming off his second win against Oscar De La Hoya and was looking for a tune-up fight to prepare for a super fight with Félix Trinidad.[12] Shane had stated that he wanted to fight the winner of the fight between Wright and Angel Hernandez. Wright, being the winner, earned a fight with Shane Mosley. Wright was a 5 to 2 underdog against Mosley.[12] During the fight, Wright pressed his will early on and discouraged Mosley with his size, effective jabbing and defense.[12] Winky won a lopsided unanimous decision, unifying his IBF title with Mosley's Lineal/The Ring/WBC/WBA titles, to become undisputed light middleweight champion.[13]

The rematch took place on November 20, 2004. This fight was much closer. Two judges scored 115–113 for Wright and one judge scored the bout a draw.[14] Wright was awarded the majority decision.[2][14] Soon after, Wright would vacate his titles to move up to the middleweight division to challenge Félix Trinidad.[15][16][17]

Wright vs. Trinidad

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Main article: Félix Trinidad vs. Winky Wright

On May 14, 2005, with Wright once again playing the underdog role, he easily defeated Félix Trinidad by unanimous decision.[2] Wright credits this fight as his greatest achievement in his career as he earned the respect and fan base of many that Félix Trinidad had behind him. Trinidad was a fan favorite and a feared power puncher and many figured he would be able to knock Wright out. But Wright's signature style defence and piston-like jab was too much for the Puerto Rican hero as Trinidad was having trouble landing punches throughout the fight (Two judges scored the fight 119–108 and one judge scored it 120–107).[18] As a result of his dominant victory over such a highly regarded opponent, many placed Wright among the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world. His victory would send Trinidad into his second retirement for three years.[19]

Trinidad-Wright was also a WBC middleweight eliminator, giving Wright a shot at undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor for his titles.

Following his win over Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya approached Wright with a $6 million offer, plus an additional $6 per pay-per-view buy above 600,000 homes. However, Wright declined the fight, "He offers everyone else $10, 15 million," Wright said, referring to the $10 million Trinidad received for fighting De La Hoya in 1999. "I ain't doing it." Wright also declined an offer to face Floyd Mayweather during that time, insisting on a 50-50 split, "Winky has everything to lose but nothing to gain," Wright's promoter Gary Shaw stated. "Mayweather has nothing to lose and everything to gain."[20]

Middleweight title shot

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After winning a unanimous decision over Sam Soliman in December 2005,[21] Wright faced off against undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor on June 17, 2006, at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee for the Lineal/The Ring/WBC/WBO titles. In a very close fight, the match was ruled a draw.[2] Two judges scored the bout 115–113 for each fighter, while the final judge scored it 114–114.[22] Both camps attempted at negotiating a rematch, but talks failed after neither side could agree on how to split the money—a problem attributed to Wright's insistence on parity and Taylor's reluctance to give 50 percent to a challenger.

Wright returned to defeat Ike Quartey at middleweight by a unanimous twelve-round decision at St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida in December 2006.[2] Two judges scored the fight 117–110, and one had the bout 117–109, all for Wright.[23]

Hopkins vs. Wright

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Main article: Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright

Wright's next fight came against Bernard Hopkins at a catch weight of 170 pounds on July 21, 2007. The bout aired on HBO pay-per-view. In the early rounds of the fight, there was no love lost as Hopkins outpointed Wright until a clash of heads (ruled unintentional) by Hopkins left a deep gash over Wright's eyebrow leading to Wright becoming the aggressor in the fight.[24] Now fighting with a sense of urgency, Wright gave Hopkins problems due to his tight defense guarding the cut and landing combinations from the outside. Hopkins seemed to stick through the pressure and land flush combinations targeting the bloody eye. Hopkins won via unanimous decision on the judges' score cards (116–112, 117–111, 117–111).[25]

It was Winky's first loss in eight years. In the post-fight interview, Wright was asked why he took the fight. He responded by saying, "I wanted to show everybody that I'm the best fighter out there, regardless of weight. If I fight the best, then I'll be the best."

Later years

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Wright ended a 21-month layoff when he faced former welterweight title holder Paul "The Punisher" Williams in a middleweight bout at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas in April 2009. Wright lost via decision.[2] Two judges scored the bout 119–109 for Williams while the 3rd judge scored the bout 120–108 for Williams. Wright won only the 5th round on two judges cards, while the 3rd judge scored all the rounds for Paul Williams.

After several failed attempts to stay active after the one-sided sweep by Paul Williams, Wright decided to get surgery on his knee during his inactivity, in the summer of 2010. Wright's most recent attempts were to get fights with Middleweight Champion Sergio Martínez, who knocked out Williams, and also a 160 lb. fight with Kelly Pavlik. He, however, successfully landed a fight with contender Grady Brewer on December 11, 2009 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Wright and Brewer were ready and set to do battle until weeks before the fight, the promoters shut the PPV matchup down due to poor ticket sales.

On November 16, 2010, it surfaced on the internet that Wright's grandmother, Mary Dorsey, had died on November 3. When asked to give his thoughts on what had happened, Winky credited his grandmother for everything he had accomplished during his boxing career, in which he primarily stated that he wouldn't have been world champion if it wasn't for her. After the new year of 2011, Wright came out and gave his side and strategies to the Super Fight between Shane Mosley and Manny Pacquiao. During the interview, he also stated that he'll be coming back to fight on April 9 on the undercard of Marques-Morales against Matthew Macklin. Although it was not a title fight, both fighters have hopes that with the win over each other, they would have a shot at the Middleweight Champion Sergio Martínez at 160 lbs. Once again, weeks before the PPV the fight had to be canceled due to an injury to Winky's right hand.

Shortly after the showdown between Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson was made, it was stated that Dawson would not be working with trainer Emanuel Steward and instead would work with his previous trainer John Scully. Wright, being a good friend of Dawson's, offered to help him on his upcoming fight while getting him into physical shape. He stated in a brief, short interview, "No, I'm not a trainer and I'm not training Dawson. The fighting part of my career isn't even over, why would I want to start training? I'm just there to give advice and pointers to Dawson. Help him prepare for Hopkins and his dirty tactics. Hopkins is a dirty fighter." In an October interview, he stated that he will once again be coming back stating, "The junior middleweight division is full of people that call themselves champions when they ain't fought nobody. I'm coming back to take what's rightfully mine." He also stated that he'd made a mistake with just coming back and taking on a fighter like Paul Williams. He confirmed that he's going to take a couple tune-up fights hoping to grab one by December. He also, in the interview, he expressed interest in fighting WBA Light Middleweight Champion Miguel Cotto, WBC Light Middleweight Champion Saul Alvarez and The Ring Middleweight Champion Sergio Martínez in the future.

After a 3-year hiatus from boxing, Wright was expected to face Peter Quillin on May 26, 2012, but the date was changed to June 2, 2012 in order to satisfy the California State Athletic Commission. Quillin defeated Wright via a ten-round unanimous decision.[2] Wright announced his retirement shortly after the fight.

Professional boxing record

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58 fights 51 wins 6 losses
By knockout 25 0
By decision 25 6
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
58 Loss 51–6–1 Peter Quillin UD 10 Jun 2, 2012 Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S.
57 Loss 51–5–1 Paul Williams UD 12 Apr 11, 2009 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
56 Loss 51–4–1 Bernard Hopkins UD 12 Jul 21, 2007 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For The Ring light heavyweight title
55 Win 51–3–1 Ike Quartey UD 12 Dec 2, 2006 St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
54 Draw 50–3–1 Jermain Taylor SD 12 Jun 17, 2006 FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. For WBC, WBO, and The Ring middleweight titles
53 Win 50–3 Sam Soliman UD 12 Dec 10, 2005 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
52 Win 49–3 Félix Trinidad UD 12 May 14, 2005 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
51 Win 48–3 Shane Mosley MD 12 Nov 20, 2004 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Unified), WBC, and The Ring light middleweight titles
50 Win 47–3 Shane Mosley UD 12 Mar 13, 2004 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title;
Won WBA (Unified), WBC, and The Ring light middleweight titles
49 Win 46–3 Ángel Hernández UD 12 Nov 8, 2003 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title
48 Win 45–3 Juan Carlos Candelo UD 12 Mar 1, 2003 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title
47 Win 44–3 Bronco McKart DQ 8 (12), 2:33 Sep 7, 2002 Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title
46 Win 43–3 Jason Papillion TKO 5 (12), 2:44 Feb 2, 2002 American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title
45 Win 42–3 Robert Frazier UD 12 Oct 12, 2001 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S. Won vacant IBF light middleweight title
44 Win 41–3 Keith Mullings UD 12 Dec 16, 2000 David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NABF and USBA light middleweight titles
43 Win 40–3 Bronco McKart UD 12 Sep 9, 2000 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia, U.S. Won NABF and vacant USBA light middleweight titles
42 Loss 39–3 Fernando Vargas MD 12 Dec 4, 1999 Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, Oregon, U.S. For IBF light middleweight title
41 Win 39–2 Derrick Graham KO 3 (12) Mar 27, 1999 Jai-Alai Fronton, Miami, Florida, U.S.
40 Loss 38–2 Harry Simon MD 12 Aug 22, 1998 Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa Lost WBO light middleweight title
39 Win 38–1 Adrian Dodson TKO 6 (12), 3:00 Dec 19, 1997 London Arena, London, England Retained WBO light middleweight title
38 Win 37–1 Steve Foster TKO 6 (12), 2:52 May 3, 1997 NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBO light middleweight title
37 Win 36–1 Ensley Bingham UD 12 Nov 9, 1996 NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBO light middleweight title
36 Win 35–1 Bronco McKart SD 12 May 17, 1996 Stock Arena, Monroe, Michigan, U.S. Won WBO light middleweight title
35 Win 34–1 Andrew Council UD 12 Mar 5, 1996 Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. Retained NABF light middleweight title
34 Win 33–1 Jean Paul D'Alessandro UD 8 Jan 6, 1996 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
33 Win 32–1 Young Dick Tiger TKO 9 (10) Oct 23, 1995 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
32 Win 31–1 Anthony Ivory UD 12 Aug 23, 1995 La Palestre, Le Cannet, France Retained NABF light middleweight title
31 Win 30–1 Larry LaCoursiere TKO 1 Jul 25, 1995 Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
30 Win 29–1 Leon Cessiron PTS 6 Apr 11, 1995 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
29 Win 28–1 Anthony Ivory PTS 8 Apr 1, 1995 La Palestre, Le Cannet, France
28 Win 27–1 Tony Marshall UD 12 Feb 4, 1995 Palais des Sports, Castelnau-le-Lez, France Won vacant NABF light middleweight title
27 Win 26–1 Ernesto Rafael Sena RTD 2 (10), 3:00 Nov 11, 1994 Club Caja Popular, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
26 Loss 25–1 Julio César Vásquez UD 12 Aug 21, 1994 Jai Alai, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France For WBA light middleweight title
25 Win 25–0 Orlando Orozco TKO 1 (8) Jun 4, 1994 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
24 Win 24–0 Armando Herrera KO 1 (8) Mar 19, 1994 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
23 Win 23–0 Tony McCrimmion TKO 5 Dec 4, 1993 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
22 Win 22–0 Gilberto Barreto TKO 2 (10) Oct 16, 1993 Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France
21 Win 21–0 Leon Rouse KO 1 (8) Aug 21, 1993 Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco
20 Win 20–0 James Stokes KO 1 (8), 1:20 May 28, 1993 Charlotte County Memorial Auditorium, Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Eric Holland UD 8 Mar 20, 1993 Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, Germany
18 Win 18–0 Roland Commings UD 8 Jan 31, 1993 Levallois-Perret, France
17 Win 17–0 Darryl Lattimore TKO 1 (8), 2:31 Jan 2, 1993 Differdange, Luxembourg
16 Win 16–0 Carlos Santana TKO 2 (10), 2:53 Jul 30, 1992 Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Delfino Marin TKO 1 (10), 2:07 May 28, 1992 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Mike Howard TKO 4 (8) Mar 27, 1992 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Persephone Van Reenen TKO 3 (6), 1:22 Feb 28, 1992 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Lennell Strohman UD 6 Dec 13, 1991 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Gary McCall RTD 1 (6), 3:00 Nov 15, 1991 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Glenn Major TKO 2 (6) Oct 18, 1991 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Jeff Johnson UD 6 Sep 17, 1991 Marriott's World Center, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Edison Martinez TKO 1 (6), 1:46 Aug 30, 1991 Marriott's World Center, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Rocky Fabrizio UD 6 Aug 13, 1991 Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Lorenzo Bouie UD 6 Jul 26, 1991 Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Glenn Major RTD 3 (6), 3:00 Mar 29, 1991 Convention Center, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Stedroy Bolus TKO 3 (4) Jan 25, 1991 Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Tony Graham TKO 2 Dec 14, 1990 Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Christopher Conrad TKO 1 Nov 28, 1990 Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Anthony Salerno UD 4 Oct 16, 1990 Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.

Titles in boxing

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Major world titles

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The Ring magazine titles

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Regional/International titles

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Undisputed titles

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Filmography

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Year Title[26] Role Notes
2004 The Jury Winky Wright TV series; 1 episode
2005 State Property 2 Winky Wright Cameo appearance
2006 Loren Cass Voice 1 Feature film

Life outside the ring

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Wright has appeared in music videos for Busta Rhymes' "Touch It Remix", 50 Cent's "Outta Control Remix", Jamie Foxx's "DJ Play a Love Song", and 2 Pistols's "She Got It" . He also appeared briefly in the cult hit State Property 2 along with Dame Dash and Beanie Sigel.

Wright has previously entered into ventures and endorsements with brands such as Reebok, Vitamin Water, Rocawear, State Property and 2(x)ist men's underwear among many others. Through these partnerships, Wright has appeared in television commercials and ad campaigns around New York City and in Men's Fitness, Men's Health, VIBE and VIBE VixeN magazines.

He currently owns an independent record label, Pound 4 Pound Records, also based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The label consists of a talent roster which covers genres of music from rock & roll to hip hop.

Wright now has his own promotion company called Winky Promotions.

Wright married Sayquana Barney on August 1, 2009. Winky often participates in charity events, in which he also has his own charity event called Winky Wright Foundation which gives him the opportunity to give back to the community. He currently resides in his hometown St. Petersburg, Florida.

See also

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Notes and references

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Winky Wright

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ronald Lamont "Winky" Wright (born November 26, 1971) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1990 to 2012, primarily in the light middleweight (super welterweight) division at 154 pounds.[1] A southpaw renowned for his impenetrable high-guard defense, technical precision, and ring generalship, Wright built a professional record of 51 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts.[2][3] His career highlights include two world title reigns, culminating in undisputed championship status, and victories over elite opponents that solidified his legacy as one of the division's most skilled and avoided fighters.[3][4] Wright turned professional at age 18 after an accomplished amateur career of 52–4, debuting with a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Salerno on October 16, 1990.[1][2] Early in his career, he fought as a journeyman, traveling overseas for 20 of his first 24 bouts in countries including France, Germany, and South Africa, often on short notice against local contenders.[3] This nomadic phase honed his adaptability and defensive mastery, allowing him to remain undefeated in title challenges until his first world championship win in 1996, when he captured the WBO light middleweight title by majority decision over Bronko McKart.[2] He lost the belt in a controversial rematch but rebounded to claim the IBF title in 2001 against Robert Frazier.[2] Wright's peak came in the mid-2000s, where he unified the division by adding the WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles, defeating Shane Mosley twice in 2004 by unanimous decision and dominating Felix Trinidad in 2005 to win the vacant IBF belt in a one-sided unanimous decision.[3][2] Other marquee wins included a decision over Howard Eastman and a majority draw against Jermain Taylor, though he faced setbacks like a loss to Bernard Hopkins in 2007 at middleweight.[2] Retiring in 2012 after a loss to Peter Quillin, Wright's contributions to the sport were honored with his election to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing his status as a pound-for-pound elite and defensive virtuoso.[1][3]

Early life and amateur career

Childhood and family

Ronald Lamont Wright was born on November 26, 1971, in Washington, D.C.[1] His mother gave birth to him at the age of 15, leading to Wright being raised primarily by his grandparents, who provided a stable home environment and instilled strong family values. Although his mother remained actively involved in his life, the support from his grandparents, particularly his grandmother who acted as a maternal figure, shaped his early upbringing. Wright's grandmother nicknamed him "Winky" when he was approximately one year old, inspired by his playful habit of winking at people, a moniker that stuck throughout his life and career. This family dynamic fostered resilience and focus in Wright during his formative years. At around age 15 or 16, Wright and his family relocated from Washington, D.C., to St. Petersburg, Florida, near Tampa, seeking a fresh start. Though he initially resisted the move due to leaving familiar surroundings, he adapted within a year and found the quieter, more supportive environment conducive to personal growth, including his introduction to boxing during high school. This transition marked a pivotal shift, steering him toward structured activities that kept him engaged and away from potential urban challenges.[5]

Amateur accomplishments

Winky Wright compiled an impressive amateur boxing record of 52 wins and 4 losses, establishing himself as a standout talent in the lighter weight divisions during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[6] His successes included multiple state-level championships in Florida, where he dominated the 139-pound category. In 1989, Wright captured the Florida Golden Gloves title with a unanimous decision victory over Emmanuel Porter in the final, followed by a win in the Southeastern Golden Gloves against Alex Quiroga.[6] That same year, he advanced to the semi-finals of the U.S. Golden Gloves Championships before a loss to Terron Millett, and he was named Outstanding Boxer at the USA/American Boxing Federation Florida Championships after defeating William McDermid unanimously.[6] In 1990, Wright continued his ascent by securing gold at the U.S. Olympic Festival in the 139-pound division, along with a bronze medal at the American Boxing Federation National Championships, where he ranked third nationally.[6] He also triumphed in the USA-Scotland Amateur Dual Tournament with a unanimous decision over Jim Pender. These accomplishments highlighted his technical prowess as a southpaw, particularly his emerging defensive style characterized by a high guard, precise jab, and exceptional distance control, which would become hallmarks of his professional career.[6] Wright trained under coach Dan Birmingham in the Tampa Bay area, refining these skills in local gyms while receiving encouragement from his family to pursue boxing seriously.[7] Despite his strong amateur foundation, Wright opted to turn professional in October 1990 at age 18, forgoing a deeper pursuit of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics after being overlooked for the 1990 Goodwill Games team, which dimmed his Olympic prospects.[8] This decision allowed him to transition directly into the paid ranks, building on the discipline and fundamentals honed in his amateur days.[9]

Professional career

Debut and early fights

Ronald Wright, known professionally as Winky Wright, made his professional boxing debut on October 16, 1990, defeating Anthony Salerno by unanimous decision over four rounds at the Hyatt Regency in Tampa, Florida.[2] This initial bout marked the start of his career in the light middleweight division, where he would remain throughout his early professional years.[2] Wright quickly built momentum with a series of victories against modestly experienced opponents, many of which ended inside the distance. Notable early stoppages included a first-round knockout of Christopher Conrad on November 7, 1990, in Tampa, a second-round TKO of Tony Graham on December 4, 1990, in Hollywood, Florida, and multiple TKOs against Glenn Major in 1991.[2] By the end of 1992, he had compiled an undefeated record of 16-0, with 11 wins by knockout or technical knockout, primarily in regional bouts across Florida venues such as the Sun Dome in Tampa and the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood.[5] These fights honed his defensive southpaw style, rooted in his amateur background, emphasizing counterpunching and evasion over aggressive offense.[3] In 1993, Wright continued his winning streak with additional stoppages and decisions, expanding slightly beyond Florida to international locations like Differdange, Luxembourg, and Levallois-Perret, France, while maintaining a focus on light middleweight contests against journeymen.[2] His record stood at 22-0 entering 1994, showcasing consistent dominance against lesser opposition.[2] Wright suffered his first professional defeat on August 21, 1994, losing a unanimous decision over 12 rounds to Julio César Vásquez in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, in a bid for the WBA light middleweight title.[2] He rebounded swiftly, securing a second-round RTD victory over Ernesto Rafael Sena on November 11, 1994, in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, followed by a unanimous decision win over Tony Marshall on February 4, 1995, in Castelnau-le-Lez, France, to capture the vacant NABF light middleweight title.[2] These wins restored his momentum and underscored his resilience in the early stages of his career.[3]

First world title challenges

Wright's first opportunity for a world title came on August 21, 1994, when he challenged Julio César Vásquez for the WBA light middleweight championship in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France.[10] At 22 years old and with an undefeated professional record, Wright was knocked down multiple times during the bout, including in the second, seventh, and ninth rounds, as well as twice in the twelfth, before losing by unanimous decision over 12 rounds.[10] This marked his professional debut abroad and his first career defeat, highlighting the challenges of facing a seasoned champion like Vásquez, who improved to 51-1. Following the setback, Wright rebuilt his momentum with a series of victories, including capturing the NABF light middleweight title in February 1995 against Tony Marshall by unanimous decision, which bolstered his confidence through early knockouts in subsequent bouts.[11] He then secured his first world championship on May 17, 1996, defeating Bronco McKart by split decision (115-113, 115-113, 113-116) over 12 rounds to claim the WBO light middleweight title in Monroe, Michigan.[12] This victory, in McKart's hometown, represented a breakthrough after nearly two years of international fights, showcasing Wright's defensive prowess and jab to outpoint the defending champion.[12] Wright's title win prompted a strategic shift, as he relocated his base to Europe to gain greater exposure and defend his belt abroad, beginning with successful defenses in England.[3] On November 9, 1996, he retained the WBO title against Ensley Bingham by unanimous decision in Manchester, followed by another defense against Steve Foster on May 3, 1997, also in Manchester.[11] These bouts in the UK, along with earlier fights in France, allowed Wright to establish himself on the international stage amid limited U.S. opportunities.[3]

Title defenses and international bouts

Following his split decision victory over Bronco McKart to claim the WBO light middleweight title in May 1996, Wright made his first defense against Ensley Bingham on November 9, 1996, at the Nynex Arena in Manchester, England, securing a unanimous decision over 12 rounds to retain the belt.[6] His second defense came on May 3, 1997, against Steve Foster at the same venue, where Wright stopped the British challenger in the sixth round with a barrage of body shots, retaining the title by technical knockout.[13] Wright's third and final successful defense was on December 19, 1997, against Adrian Dodson at the London Arena in Millwall, England, ending the bout via sixth-round technical knockout after overwhelming Dodson with precise jabbing and combinations. During this late 1990s period, Wright embarked on an extensive European campaign, often referred to as his "world tour," amassing a 7-0 record across the United Kingdom and Ireland against regional contenders, which helped solidify his status as a dominant force at 154 pounds despite limited U.S. visibility.[4] Notable victories in this stretch included those over Bingham, Foster, and Dodson, as Wright adapted to hostile environments and unfamiliar opponents, relying on his southpaw stance, high guard defense, and relentless jab to control the pace. These international bouts highlighted his technical prowess but also exposed him to logistical strains, such as long travels and adjusting to European ring sizes and referee styles. Wright's WBO reign concluded on August 22, 1998, when he traveled to the Carousel Casino in Hammanskraal, South Africa, for a fourth defense against undefeated Namibian Harry Simon, dropping a controversial 12-round majority decision after a tactical battle marred by point deductions for Wright's holding.[6] Following this loss, Wright experienced a period of inactivity and promoter challenges, fighting only sporadically until rebounding in late 2000 with a unanimous decision over Keith Mullings on December 2. On October 12, 2001, he captured the vacant IBF light middleweight title by unanimous decision over Robert Frazier in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wright defended the IBF belt successfully twice in 2002, stopping Luis Rodriguez in the fifth round on June 15 and Jason Papillion in the fifth on November 23, before being stripped of the title in 2004 for pursuing unification without IBF sanction.[11] Throughout this overseas phase, Wright encountered significant promoter disputes, as major American promoters overlooked him in favor of more marketable fighters, compelling him to rely on European deals and limiting his domestic opportunities.[4] These challenges, compounded by occasional weight management hurdles during training camps abroad, tested his resilience but ultimately honed his ringcraft for future pursuits.[3]

Major light middleweight fights

In the early 2000s, Winky Wright established himself as a dominant force in the light middleweight division through a series of high-stakes unification bouts. On March 13, 2004, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Wright faced Shane Mosley in a unification clash for the WBC, WBA, and IBF light middleweight titles. Despite being a significant underdog, Wright outboxed Mosley over 12 rounds, winning a unanimous decision with scores of 117-111, 117-111, and 116-112 to claim the undisputed championship.[14][15] The victory propelled Wright into the spotlight, leading to a highly anticipated rematch against Mosley on November 20, 2004, at the same venue, where Wright defended his unified titles. In a closer affair, Wright again prevailed by majority decision (115-113, 115-113, 114-114), solidifying his grip on the division despite Mosley's improved aggression.[16][17] Wright's momentum carried into 2005, culminating in a marquee matchup against Felix Trinidad on May 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, contested as a WBC middleweight title eliminator. Wright delivered a masterclass in defensive boxing, dominating the former three-division champion en route to a lopsided unanimous decision victory (119-108, 119-108, 120-107), which enhanced his status while positioning him for bigger opportunities.[18][19] Following his triumphs over Mosley, The Ring magazine recognized Wright as the top light middleweight in its 2004 year-end ratings, affirming his supremacy in the 154-pound class. Wright's defensive prowess was a hallmark of these peak-era fights, exemplified by CompuBox statistics showing his exceptional ability to minimize damage. In the first Mosley bout, he absorbed just 166 punches while landing 250 of his own; the rematch saw him take only 154 shots en route to connecting on 273. Against Trinidad, Wright's absorption was remarkably low at 58 punches landed against him, compared to his 262 connections, underscoring his peek-a-boo style's effectiveness in neutralizing elite power punchers.[20][16][18][21]

Middleweight transition and final bouts

Following his successful defenses at light middleweight, Wright transitioned to the middleweight division in 2005, seeking greater challenges and opportunities at 160 pounds. His debut in the weight class came against Felix Trinidad on May 14, 2005, in a WBC middleweight title eliminator bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where Wright dominated with his trademark defensive style and precise counterpunching to secure a unanimous decision victory (119-109, 120-108, 120-108). This win, which ended Trinidad's comeback attempt after a two-year retirement, positioned Wright as the top contender for the undisputed middleweight crown held by Jermain Taylor. Wright's first shot at a middleweight world title occurred on June 17, 2006, against Taylor at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, for the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts. The 12-round fight was a tactical affair marked by Wright's effective jab and movement, but it ended in a controversial split draw (115-113 Taylor, 115-113 Wright, 114-114), allowing Taylor to retain his titles. Despite the result, the bout highlighted Wright's adaptability to the higher weight class, though it stalled his momentum and led to a period of negotiation for a rematch that never materialized.[22] In an attempt to chase bigger opportunities, Wright moved up further to light heavyweight for a bout against Bernard Hopkins on July 21, 2007, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, contesting The Ring light heavyweight title. At 168 pounds, Wright struggled against the older but sharper Hopkins, who outworked him over 12 rounds to win a unanimous decision (117-111, 117-111, 116-112), snapping Wright's seven-year unbeaten streak. This loss, compounded by the physical toll of the weight increase, prompted Wright to return to middleweight but also initiated a lengthy layoff due to difficulties securing high-profile opponents.[23] Wright's middleweight career resumed after nearly two years of inactivity with a bout against Paul Williams on April 11, 2009, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Fighting at 160 pounds, the 37-year-old Wright was overwhelmed by Williams' relentless volume punching, absorbing over 800 thrown punches in a one-sided unanimous decision defeat (119-109, 119-109, 120-108). The loss dropped Wright's record to 51-5-1 and underscored the challenges of his prolonged absences, as ring rust affected his timing and endurance.[24] After another extended hiatus of over three years—during which failed negotiations for fights against Sergio Martinez and others further diminished his visibility—Wright returned to middleweight for what proved to be his final bout against Peter Quillin on June 2, 2012, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. At age 40, Wright showed signs of age and inactivity, getting dropped in the third round before losing a 10-round unanimous decision (100-89 twice, 98-91) to the undefeated Quillin.[25] This defeat brought his professional record to 51-6-1 (25 KOs), effectively ending his competitive phase as the cumulative impact of losses, injuries from prior fights, and the rigors of aging curtailed further pursuits.[26]

Retirement

Winky Wright officially announced his retirement from professional boxing on June 3, 2012, shortly after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Peter Quillin in a 10-round middleweight bout on June 2, 2012, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.[27] At the time of his retirement, Wright concluded his career with a record of 51 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts.[2] The 40-year-old Wright cited his age and a reluctance to continue competing without contending for titles as primary reasons for stepping away, stating, "I'm 40 and if I can't be champion again, I don't want to do it anymore. I'm not here just fighting to be fighting."[28] He expressed frustration with the direction of his late career, where matchmaking opportunities had diminished following a series of high-profile setbacks, including losses to Bernard Hopkins in 2007 and Paul Williams in 2009, which signaled a decline from his peak years. Additionally, Wright emphasized a desire to avoid prolonging his tenure in the sport unnecessarily, noting, "Part of being a boxer is knowing when to call it quits."[29] Throughout his 22-year career, Wright amassed substantial earnings from major fights, with purses totaling approximately $20-30 million, highlighted by $4 million for his 2005 victory over Félix Trinidad and over $1.6 million for each of his bouts against Shane Mosley in 2004 and 2005.[21][30] His final purse against Quillin was reported around $500,000, providing a fitting capstone to his financial success in the ring.[31] As of 2025, Wright has made no attempts at a boxing comeback, remaining retired and focusing on life outside the sport.[3]

Achievements and legacy

World titles and rankings

Winky Wright's professional career featured multiple world titles in the light middleweight division, where he established himself as a dominant force through defensive mastery and consistent victories. He first captured a major title on May 17, 1996, defeating Bronco McKart by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBO light middleweight championship, which he held until August 22, 1998, making three successful defenses during that period.[6][1] His defenses included wins over Steve Foster (TKO 6, May 3, 1997), Troy Waters (UD 12, October 25, 1997), and Ray Close (UD 12, March 28, 1998), showcasing his ability to control fights against international challengers.[32] Wright secured his second major title on October 13, 2001, outpointing Robert Frazier over 12 rounds to claim the IBF light middleweight crown, reigning until April 2004 when he was stripped for bypassing a mandatory defense.[6] During this approximately 2.5-year hold, he made four successful defenses: TKO 5 against Jason Papillion (February 2, 2002), DQ 8 against Bronco McKart (September 7, 2002), unanimous decision against Juan Carlos Candelo (March 1, 2003), and unanimous decision against Angel Hernandez (November 8, 2003).[33] These bouts, often held abroad due to promotional challenges in the U.S., highlighted Wright's resilience and technical superiority, though they drew limited mainstream attention.[33] A pivotal moment came on March 13, 2004, when Wright defeated Shane Mosley by unanimous decision, unifying the IBF title with Mosley's WBA (Super), WBC, lineal, and The Ring light middleweight championships to become the undisputed champion at 154 pounds—a status he held briefly until the IBF stripped him shortly after for not facing their mandatory.[34] He defended the unified WBA, WBC, lineal, and The Ring titles once, again beating Mosley on November 20, 2004, by unanimous decision, before vacating them in May 2005 to pursue opportunities at middleweight.[35] This unification marked the last undisputed light middleweight reign until Jermell Charlo in 2022.[1]
TitleOrganizationDate WonDurationSuccessful Defenses
Light MiddleweightWBOMay 17, 19961996–19983
Light MiddleweightIBFOctober 13, 20012001–20044
Light Middleweight (Unified: WBA, WBC, IBF, Lineal, The Ring)MultipleMarch 13, 20042004–20051
Following his triumphs over Mosley, Wright ascended to the No. 1 ranking in the light middleweight division across major sanctioning bodies including the WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring, reflecting his status as the division's premier fighter.[6] His move to middleweight included winning a WBC middleweight title eliminator unanimous decision over Felix Trinidad on May 14, 2005, which earned him a shot at Jermain Taylor's titles, resulting in a controversial draw on June 17, 2006.[18]

Hall of Fame honors

Wright was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in 2018 as part of the Modern category, marking his first year of eligibility following retirement in 2012.[36] The induction recognized his career record of 51-6-1 with 25 knockouts and his status as a two-time light middleweight world champion, including the last undisputed champion at 154 pounds before Jermell Charlo in 2022. During the ceremony in Canastota, New York, Wright was honored alongside Vitali Klitschko and Erik Morales for their contributions to the sport. In 2019, Wright received induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) during its seventh annual gala in Las Vegas, where he was celebrated for his mastery in using the ring's dimensions to outmaneuver opponents.[37] The event highlighted his strong resume in high-profile bouts and defensive prowess, inducting him with figures like Vinny Paz and Floyd Mayweather Sr.[38] Wright's accolades extend to rankings among the all-time greats at light middleweight, placing fifth in a comprehensive historical list compiled by boxing analysts based on his title reigns and victories over elite competition. In his induction speeches, particularly at the NVBHOF, Wright emphasized his defensive legacy, crediting his high-guard style and ring generalship for frustrating aggressive fighters and establishing him as one of boxing's premier technicians.[39] These honors underscore his impact as a southpaw specialist who prioritized skill and strategy over power.[3]

Influence on boxing

Winky Wright's defensive prowess, characterized by a high guard with gloves positioned near the ears and elbows tucked to protect the body, became a hallmark of his career and influenced subsequent generations of boxers emphasizing technique over aggression. As a southpaw, Wright adapted elements of the Philly Shell defense—typically an orthodox shoulder-roll technique—into a more upright, impenetrable shell that neutralized opponents' power punches while allowing precise countering with his piston-like jab. This style drew comparisons to Floyd Mayweather's own defensive mastery, with Wright himself noting in interviews that critics often dismissed his approach as overly cautious, yet it paved the way for fighters prioritizing evasion and precision in the ring.[40][4] Prior to his high-profile victories over Shane Mosley in 2004, Wright earned a reputation as the "uncrowned champion" of the light middleweight division, largely because top contenders and champions avoided him due to his frustrating defensive tactics and physical advantages at 154 pounds. Fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad only faced him after years of matchmaking maneuvers, while potential bouts with Bernard Hopkins and Mayweather fell through amid disputes over weight and purse splits, underscoring how Wright's style deterred bigger names seeking easier paths to legacy fights. This avoidance highlighted his status as a gatekeeper who forced the division's elite to confront a stylistic nightmare, ultimately compelling promoters to elevate him to main events.[41][4] Wright's major bouts, particularly the 2004 unification clash with Mosley and the 2005 domination of Trinidad, aired on HBO and significantly raised the visibility of the light middleweight division, which had long languished in the shadow of heavier weight classes. These broadcasts drew substantial audiences, showcasing the division's technical depth and attracting casual fans to undercard talents like Ricardo Mayorga and Vernon Forrest, thereby revitalizing interest in 154-pound competition during the mid-2000s. His performances demonstrated that the weight class could host pound-for-pound caliber wars, influencing matchmaking and broadcasting priorities for years.[3][42] Despite his effectiveness, Wright faced critiques for a "boring" style that prioritized survival and point accumulation over knockouts, with only 25 stoppages in his 58 professional fights reflecting a reliance on skill rather than power. Detractors, including fellow fighters like Hopkins, argued his passive approach failed to excite crowds or fill arenas independently, contributing to his underrated status in mainstream boxing narratives. However, proponents praised this tactical discipline as a masterclass in boxing fundamentals, a view validated by his 2018 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which cemented his legacy as a defensive innovator who elevated the sport's strategic dimension.[43][3]

Personal life

Family and residences

Ronald Lamont Wright, known professionally as Winky Wright, was born on November 26, 1971, in Washington, D.C., as the only child of a single mother who remained a constant presence in his life despite his primary upbringing by his grandparents.[1][44] His grandparents relocated him to St. Petersburg, Florida, at age 15, where his grandmother bestowed upon him the lifelong nickname "Winky" during infancy and provided unwavering support, ensuring he had everything needed for his development.[44] Wright has maintained a long-term residence in the St. Petersburg area of the Tampa Bay region since his teenage years, establishing deep roots in the local community after his early nomadic boxing career abroad.[45] He emphasizes family privacy, with limited public information available about his personal relationships beyond his marriage to his wife, affectionately known as Pie, and their children, whom he prioritizes in his daily life.[45] Extended family, particularly his grandparents, played a pivotal role in supporting his boxing aspirations from a young age, fostering discipline and stability during his transition to Florida.[44]

Post-retirement activities

Since retiring from professional boxing in 2012, Winky Wright has maintained a low-key lifestyle centered on personal interests and occasional public reflections on the sport, avoiding any high-profile comebacks or promotional ventures. He has expressed satisfaction with stepping away from the ring to enjoy a more relaxed existence, stating in a 2012 interview that it was time to "chill and play golf" after achieving his goals in the sport.[46] Wright remains active in maintaining his fitness through recreational activities such as golfing and skiing. Social media posts show him participating in these pursuits, including golf outings in Las Vegas and skiing trips in Utah.[47][48] In 2025, Wright participated in several interviews reflecting on his career, including a March retrospective on his 2018 International Boxing Hall of Fame induction, where he discussed his defensive style and key victories.[49] Wright has also engaged in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and maintaining the Winky Wright Foundation.[50] Although not formally involved in coaching, Wright has maintained ties to the Tampa Bay boxing community through his association with the St. Pete Boxing Club, where he trained during his career and which continues to develop local talent. This low-profile engagement aligns with his preference for privacy, particularly regarding family matters, as a motivation for his post-retirement choices.[51]

Other media appearances

Film roles

Winky Wright made several minor appearances in films, leveraging his reputation as a professional boxer for cameo roles that highlighted his athletic background. In 2005, he appeared in a cameo as himself in the urban drama State Property 2, directed by Damon Dash, where he featured alongside other boxing figures like Bernard Hopkins in a brief scene tied to the film's street culture narrative.[52] The following year, Wright provided a voice role as "Voice 1" in the independent film Loren Cass, a low-budget drama exploring youth and violence in Florida, marking one of his few non-cameo contributions to cinema.[53] Wright has no major leading roles in films, with his appearances consistently drawing on his boxing persona rather than venturing into scripted character work. Post-retirement from boxing in 2012, his pursuits in acting remained limited, with no significant additional film credits reported.[54]

Television and interviews

Wright has appeared in several boxing-focused television specials on HBO, showcasing highlights from his career during the 2000s. In March 2009, HBO aired Winky Wright: Greatest Hits, a compilation program featuring key moments from his fights leading up to his bout with Paul Williams.[55] A follow-up special, HBO Boxing: Winky Wright's Greatest Hits, was broadcast in November 2010, further emphasizing his defensive prowess and major victories.[42] In 2004, Wright appeared as himself in the episode "The Boxer" of the Fox television series The Jury.[56] Beyond boxing programming, Wright made a brief cameo as an audience member in an episode of the television series WWE Raw in 2005.[54] In 2018, he portrayed Sydney's father in the TV mini-series Deleted Reality, marking one of his limited forays into scripted television.[57] Wright has participated in numerous interviews across various platforms, often focusing on his Hall of Fame induction and insights into the sport. In a March 2025 exclusive interview, he reflected on his career achievements and the challenges of his era in light middleweight boxing.[49] In February 2024, Wright discussed contemporary matchups, including predictions for the Keith Thurman vs. Tim Tszyu fight, where he highlighted the role of age and ring rust in determining outcomes.[58] Later that year in November 2025, Wright commented on Manny Pacquiao's potential opponents, expressing surprise at the absence of Errol Spence Jr. while analyzing betting lines and legacy implications.[59] Throughout his post-retirement media engagements, Wright has consistently prioritized discussions centered on boxing technique, judging controversies, and fighter development over broader entertainment formats.

References

  1. Winky Wright - IBHOF.com
  2. Ronald Wright - BoxRec
  3. Winky Wright's long career rewarded with place in the Hall of Fame
  4. Editor's Pick: Winky Wright - the fighter they all tried to avoid
  5. Winky Wright, the Road Less Traveled
  6. Ronald (Winky) Wright - BoxRec
  7. 'Winky' Wright's trainer from area - Vindy Archives
  8. Winky Wright is boxing's next star-but it took him 15 years to get here
  9. Taking on the world // Gibbs graduate Wright to continue his fight at ...
  10. Julio Cesar Vasquez vs. Ronald Wright - BoxRec
  11. Ronald Wright - BoxRec
  12. Wright takes WBO title with a split decision - Tampa Bay Times
  13. Wright batters Foster, keeps title - Tampa Bay Times
  14. BOXING; Wright, the Underdog, Defeats Mosley - The New York Times
  15. With Wright Fight, Mosley Places Futures Bet - Los Angeles Times
  16. Wright Beats Mosley Again - The New York Times
  17. On this day in history, Winky Wright defeats Shane Mosley
  18. Ronald Wright vs. Felix Trinidad - BoxRec
  19. These Two Are Entitled to the Star Treatment - Los Angeles Times
  20. Wright unifies three 154-pound titles - ESPN
  21. I was robbed fumes Winky as Taylor gets 'home-town' decision | Sport
  22. Steady Hopkins finishes strong - The Denver Post
  23. Paul Williams Shuts Out Winky Wright - Boxing News 24
  24. Quillin vs Wright Results: Quillin Drops Winky, Grinds Out Decision
  25. Roundtable: Is Winky Wright a Hall of Famer? - Sports Illustrated
  26. Winky Wright Announces Retirement From Boxing | Bad Left Hook
  27. https://www.15rounds.com/2012/06/05/winky-wright-retires-060312/
  28. Future Hall Of Famer Winky Wright Retires At 40 - East Side Boxing
  29. Wright thoroughly punishes Trinidad - SFGATE
  30. Winky has an eye for fights that pay - Las Vegas Sun News
  31. Ronald Wright ("Winky") | Boxer Page - Tapology
  32. https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/3600
  33. IBF strips Wright of its title - Tampa Bay Times
  34. Ronald Wright vs. Shane Mosley (1st meeting) - BoxRec
  35. Ronald Wright vs. Shane Mosley (2nd meeting) - BoxRec
  36. Erik Morales, Vitali Klitschko, Winky Wright elected to Hall of Fame
  37. Class of 2019 | NVBHOF - Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame
  38. Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame to Honor 2019 Inductees in August
  39. WINKY WRIGHT'S FULL 2019 NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME ...
  40. 5 Boxing Guards To Study - Evolve MMA
  41. Wright Is Always Wrong Guy to Fight - Los Angeles Times
  42. HBO Boxing: Winky Wright's Greatest Hits (HBO) - YouTube
  43. Winky is ready to rumble with Hopkins - Times Herald-Record
  44. Ronald 'Winky' Wright is a 'Florida Icon'
  45. St. Petersburg boxer Winky Wright, former world champion, retires
  46. For young boxers in St. Pete, Ali's legacy lives on - Tampa Bay Times
  47. Winky Wright Retires - YouTube
  48. https://www.instagram.com/realwinkywright/p/DMTEHHUJe7L/
  49. Winky Wright (@realwinkywright) • Instagram photos and videos
  50. Exclusive interview marking Ronald Winky Wright's hall of fame ...
  51. Winky Wright On NO Errol Spence For Pacquiao BUT Chose ... - MSN
  52. St. Pete Boxing Club: Inside the Legendary Gym of Keith ... - YouTube
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464098/
  54. Winky Wright - IMDb
  55. Winky Wright: Greatest Hits (HBO Boxing) - YouTube
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7789554/
  57. "FATHER TIME IS UNDEFEATED!" WINKY WRIGHT PREDICTS ...
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