Is This the Wright Moment to Step Up?

Ronald “Winky” Wright will enter Saturday’s fight, still the unknown fighter in the eyes of the mass media and the boxing public. With a record of 48-3 (25 KOs), Wright has to be one of the most underrated boxers in the sport with over fifty fights. Having had a rollercoaster of a career, Wright fought well and hard against Fernando Vargas in 1999, in what would be his opening towards bigger paydays and the public’s respect. In that fight, he suffered a loss, and some fans will stick to their opinion that Wright earned the win. Nevertheless, the consolation of giving Vargas a run for his money proved empty. As the days went by, the attention and controversy on the fight dwindled and Wright continued on the path of fighting average opposition for mediocre paydays. With a seasoned record, Wright is a well-traveled boxer, fighting in countries, such as France, Argentina, England, Germany, South Africa and all over North America. He has faced the chance of losing in another person’s homeland for the sake of keeping busy, and staying on track to capturing his dream of being a world champion and being recognized.

On the decline after fighting Vargas, Wright stayed busy, as Vargas went on to earn title fights and big paydays against Oscar de la Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Patience is the key to success and Wright proved to possess it when he faced Shane Mosley. Hardcore boxing fans were keen to Wright’s struggle upon entering the first fight with Mosley. The mass media and hobby fans wondered, “Who is Mosley fighting?” Expecting to chalk up another win for “Sugar” Shane.

With textbook boxing from round one to twelve, Wright confused Mosley with counter shots and quick defense. It was clear that Mosley entered the fight with confidence and left with frustration and another loss. With new ambition, Mosley requested and received a rematch with Wright. The second fight was a lot closer and some Mosley fans could argue for their fighter. With two wins against a championship fighter, Wright still suffers from the second-class citizen syndrome.

While Wright was touring the globe for fights, Mosley, De La Hoya, Vargas, Trinidad and even Bernard Hopkins were increasing their stock in marketing and winning titles. Boxers respected Wright and were keen to his abilities, which worked against his favor because they did not want to face him and lose to a relatively unknown opponent. What makes Wright’s career even more interesting is the likeness of it to Mosley’s career. Mosley shared similar second-class status, but after the first De La Hoya fight, his paychecks and respect from the public increased.

Now Wright is back at the forefront of the mass media. Is it because of Trinidad’s name? If Wright were fighting Jason Papillion, would the articles and reports on the former light middleweight champion be front-page news? Yet, I do not think Wright’s existence of creating a boxing legacy is based on the public and media’s attention. Yes, it would be a good gesture, but, Wright has been in this situation many times before.

He actually uses the low-key interest on his struggle to winning a championship to his advantage. In no way would I indicate that Wright is entering this fight carefree and humble. It is just that the lack of people pushing you, enables you to do your very best. Winky Wright is no huge knockout artist, rebel outside of the ring, reporters’ worst nightmare or the type of fighter to duck other fighters. He is the one and only Winky Wright, and after the Trinidad fight, win or lose, we will not be hearing the last of him. Maybe the under reporting and under appreciation will still be there, and Wright will find a way to deal with it, but, to underestimate his determination would be most unwise.

Shaun Rico LaWhorn can be reached at filmmaking_mentality@msn.com