Winky Wright: Echoes of McCallum
Greg Smith - 8/20/2005
Winky Wright is unquestionably one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today, and put on perhaps the best display of boxing skill this year in his near perfect performance against Felix Trinidad. Wright hasn't lost a fight since dropping a controversial twelve round decision to Fernando Vargas on December 4, 1999.
Since that time, Wright's stock in the pound-for-pound rankings is substantially higher than Fernando's, but Wright is unfortunately faced with the ironic and enviable task of securing a mega-fight and mega-payday in a business climate that simply doesn't seem to want to reward him for his accomplishments. His professional record is 49-3 (25 KOs). Since losing to Vargas, his record in that time frame is 10-0 (1 KO). Besides his spectacular clinical display against Trinidad, Wright clearly decisioned Shane Mosley in back-to-back fights. Naturally, one would think that Wright's skill, accomplishments, perseverance, and pound-for-pound status would translate into a major payday, but it's possible that it will never happen.
About a month ago, Bernard Hopkins dropped a hotly disputed decision to Jermain Taylor. Initially, I scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Taylor. A few days later, I watched the fight again, and scored it a draw.
After Bernard's first loss in over twelve years, he filed an appeal with the Nevada Commission to overturn the decision based on Duane Ford's scoring of the twelfth round. In my opinion, Bernard knew the appeal would be unsuccessful. Instead, I believe his real intent was to create a public outcry to solidify his chances of securing a December rematch with Taylor. Despite the fact that Hopkins secured a rematch clause during negotiations for Hopkins – Taylor I, rematch clauses have been violated in the past. Moorer – Foreman is an example of that. Thus, many believed that Hopkins might not get a rematch. From another angle, some believed that contentious negotiations and other factors would significantly delay the rematch, and Hopkins would become frustrated to the point of causing him to retire or seek a separate mega-fight with the winner of Tarver – Jones III.
Regardless of the needless complexity of the aftermath of Hopkins – Taylor I, Hopkins is shrewd and resourceful and covered his bases astutely. In a separate and appropriate petition from Hopkins, the WBC recently approved Hopkins' request for an immediate rematch. Here is an excerpt from the press release.
"The WBC, through its president Jose Sulaiman, informed former middleweight world champion Bernard Hopkins today that they have granted his request, pursuant to WBC Championship Elimination Rule 1.32, for an immediate rematch with Jermain Taylor. Under normal circumstances, the WBC does not allow direct rematches of Championship bouts. In this case, however, Hopkins, through his counsel, Arnold Joseph, petitioned the WBC to allow the rematch citing rule 1.32 which provides that in cases in which the champion has been defeated in a bout that the WBC Board of Governors believes was extremely controversial or irregular the WBC can order a direct rematch."
Although many believe that the rematch will still occur after the tentative December 3 date, it appears as though Hopkins - Taylor II is inevitable, and will occur sooner rather than later. Pressure from the WBC may force an earlier date than studied cynics believe. It is a pivotal fight for many reasons, especially pertaining to the career and legacy of Winky Wright.
If Hopkins prevails in the rematch, Bernard is likely to retire, or possibly fight the winner of Tarver - Jones III. Recently, Bernard has hinted that he may fight again after the Taylor rematch, but other reports indicate that he will grant his deceased mother’s request to retire by 1/15/06.
If Bernard regains the title and retires, his retirement will probably create a box off between Taylor and Winky Wright. Unfortunately, in the real world of boxing, I doubt Taylor and Wright will ever meet in the ring. I don't believe Lou DiBella and Taylor's training team will allow him to face Wright in a box off because the risks outweigh the rewards.
On the opposite side of the coin, if Taylor defeats Bernard again, I also don't believe that Wright will get an immediate shot at Taylor for the reasons mentioned above. Wright is simply too big a risk after back-to-back fights with Hopkins regardless of how Taylor performs in the Hopkins rematch.
Where does this leave Wright? I don't think Wright will step up to 168 to challenge the belt holders in that division. If he steps down to 154 again, his 2006 options are many, but not necessarily lucrative. Based on several factors, Wright could face Fernando Vargas in a rematch. He could also face Ricardo Mayorga, Daniel Santos, Roman Karmazin, Javier Castillejo, or other fighters who might suddenly appear on the landscape. Wright would most likely defeat all of the above fighters, but not secure the payday he deserves.
All told, Winky Wright is a distinguished champion with an impressive resume. He is one of the best fighters of our era, and a fine gentleman outside the ring as well. Nevertheless, he might very well be the Mike McCallum of our era. Even though he dominated Felix Trinidad, and decisioned Shane Mosley twice, the technically proficient Wright has always really been on the outside looking in. Similar to McCallum, he's been both avoided and revered. Hopefully, Wright will get his big payday. Regardless of Wright’s merit, as the world of boxing goes, justice and common sense might prove to be as elusive as the paydays Wright has deserved for years.
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