Winky Wright sits in his corner after the eighth round of a middleweight boxing match against Peter Quillin in Carson, Calif., Saturday, June 2, 2012. AP FILE PHOTO
LOS ANGELES – Former light middleweight champion Winky Wright has retired.
The 40-year-old Wright (51-6-1, 25 KOs) lost his first fight in three years last Saturday, dropping a unanimous decision to Peter Quillin.
Wright had fought just once since losing to Bernard Hopkins in July 2007. He hasn’t won a bout since December 2006, going 1-3-1 in his last five fights.
Wright was one of the best defensive fighters of his era, using discipline and strategy to block punches with his so-called “turtle shell” defense.
He began his career frequently fighting in Europe, but he reigned at 154 pounds from 2001-04, earning wins over Sugar Shane Mosley and Felix Trinidad.