Wright's Fighting Chance

2-1 Underdog Is Quietly Confident For Trinidad Bout

For someone on the cusp of the most important event of his professional career, Ronald "Winky" Wright sounds awfully relaxed.

He says he's in the best shape of his life. He says he's stronger since moving to middleweight (160 pounds) from super welterweight (154). He says he's ready for tonight's bout with superstar Felix "Tito" Trinidad at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And he says he's going to win.

All boxers say this, of course, no matter the opponent. But Wright says it matter of factly, not in the loud, boastful style normally preferred by prizefighters. He says it in a way that makes you think it will happen.

"I'm feeling great, man. I'm looking forward to the task ahead," Wright said earlier this week. "I'm gonna do what I came to do, and that's whup Tito Trinidad."

Oddsmakers, who make Trinidad a 2-1 favorite, don't agree. But this is nothing new. Wright has been underestimated and overlooked throughout his career because of his boxing style and the relatively quiet path he took to get to this point in his career.

Wright, 33, was born in Northeast Washington, but moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., when he was 15. Soon after the move he found his way into trainer Dan Birmingham's gym, which was located around the corner from his home. Wright had grown up playing football, basketball and baseball, but said he always wanted to box. It didn't take long for Birmingham to tell Wright was a natural.

"The first day he came into the gym," Birmingham said, when asked when he noticed Wright's talent. "He had good reflexes and good coordination. Good hand speed. Good eyes."

Three weeks later, Wright won a Florida Golden Gloves novice tournament and eventually compiled a 65-7 amateur record.

But the toughest part his nomadic journey through the boxing ranks was just beginning.

After winning his first 16 professional fights, Wright had to go abroad to further his career after struggling to line up bigger paydays. Starting in January 1993, he spent nearly six years fighting almost exclusively in countries such as Luxembourg, Argentina and South Africa.

He endured two controversial majority decision losses in three fights (to Harry Simon in August 1998 and to Fernando Vargas in December 1999). He had a brief partnership and then split with Don King. But, most importantly, he was unable to line up a big fight because of a slick, patient, precise and left-handed style that simultaneously bored fans and scared off opponents.