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Ronald “Winky” Wright
Numerous
requests have been made, by the media, regarding
“Winky’s” future boxing plans.
The following outlines, in detail, what is currently taking
place regarding “Winky’s” future plans.
Winky’s
record now stands at 40 wins, 3 losses, with 26 KO's.
Wright’s 40th win came on September 9, 2000
against Bronco McKart. Currently, Winky is both the USBA and NABF
Jr. Middleweight Champion. Additionally, Winky is the IBF
mandatory contender to the winner of the Felix Trinidad vs.
Fernando Vargas fight tentatively scheduled for December 2, 2000.
Winky's three losses were all via split decisions in the other
fighter's venue. His loss to Harry Simon was initially ruled a draw, then was
changed 30 minutes later while "Winky" was in the
dressing room. Wright
has never been stopped.
This
coming Saturday WBO Champion Harry Simon defends his title against
Rodney Jones. On August 22, 1998 Winky traveled to Simon’s
hometown in South Africa to defend his then WBO Title. At the time
the Acarie brothers Michel and Louis promoted Winky. British
promoter Frank Warren acted as co-promoter for the Acarie’s.
Warren wanted Winky to join his promotional company Sports
Network, but since Winky was satisfied with the Acarie’s for
their efforts as his promoter, he decided to remain loyal to them
and told Warren thanks but no thanks. Simon, on the other hand
agreed to work with Warren and unbeknownst to Winky, he was about
to make one of the biggest mistakes of his boxing career, that
being going to South Africa to defend his title while rebuffing
Warren’s offer.
The
fight with Simon was a tough fight that went the distance. When
the decision was announced a draw, Winky was disappointed, but as
always, Winky showed his class and told the public that Simon was
a tough fighter. But while Winky was in his dressing room, someone
said that the scorecards were added wrong and Simon was given a
split decision win. Immediately, Winky realized that the outcome
of the fight has already been predetermined. My refusal to join
Sports Network in all likelihood cost me my title. Both Harry and
I gave it our all. But as is often the case, individuals who never
put their lives in harms way decide the outcomes of fights. We the
fighters leave everything in the ring, while the promoter leaves
everything in his bank account.
Winky
would like Harry Simon to know the following: I respect Harry for
his accomplishments and always wish him the best in his career.
However, in 1998, I went to his country and defended my title. It
would only be fair that Harry gave me a rematch here in my
country. I have an open date this coming December on HBO, and I
would be more than happy to fight Harry even though I am the
mandatory challenger to the winner of the Trinidad vs. Vargas
fight. I would even be willing to give Harry my share of the purse
as an added incentive if he beat me. I would hope that Harry would
take this challenge since he very well knows that his win against
me was strange and highly controversial. Regardless of the
outcome, Harry and I will always remain friends. It’s time to
tell the promoters to get out of the way and allow our business to
be completed in a fair an unbiased manner.
Regarding
Fernando Vargas, who everyone knows I beat last December, Vargas
has been pleading with his promoter Main Events to keep me away
from him at all cost. Recently, Main Events tried unsuccessfully
to not allow me to be the IBF’s No.1 contender. Thankfully, I
have the sharpest advisor in the boxing business and with his
guidance; I’m on Fernando’s heels once again. I would like the
public to know that the biggest challenge out there for me is
Felix Trinidad. A win against Tito would establish me as one of
the best fighters today. Should Tito beat Vargas, I hope that he
keeps his IBF title and fights me before moving to middleweight.
In the mean time, I want to fight Harry this December.
In
December I will be fighting once again on HBO. Hopefully my
opponent will be Harry Simon.
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