"I saw K9 [Cornelius Bundrage] was barkin' on the site last week. I understand where he's coming from. I know what it's like to be a champion, but certain guys don't want to fight you. Well, if Bundrage is ready to prove that he's really the man; if he's ready to separate himself from the pack and ready to step up to the plate against a future Hall of Famer, I'm willing to give him that kind of opportunity to enhance his legacy...He can forget about fighting Cotto, Pacquiao or Margarito. Bob [Arum] ain't trying to make any of those fights with DK [Don King]. If it ain't just about the money and K9 is really looking to prove that he's the best, like he says, then a win over Winky Wright would enhance his legacy. It would be great for his career. It could mean the difference between the Hall of Fame or just being remembered for The Contender," stated former undisputed jr. middleweight champion Winky Wright, who made it clear that he's back in training and eager to return back to the ring after an extended layoff due to knee surgery. Looking to reclaim the titles he once unified, Wright can't wait to face all of the current champions, but he can't but wonder if any of them are brave enough to step up to the plate. Check out what else he had to say.
BT: What's good Wink? It's been awhile since we last talked. I know quite a few people have been wondering where you've been and if you'll ever be stepping back in that square circle again.
WW: Man, I can't wait to get back in the ring again. I had that surgery on my knee during the summer, you know, but now that I'm done with rehab, I'm feeling rejuvinated. I already started training hard again. Ben, like I told you before, I'm going back to 154 to get my titles back. The titles haven't been unified since I left the division, so I'm going back to clean up the mess I left before I retire.
BT: Yeah, I know you mentioned going back to 154 before. Is that something that you...
WW: (Cutting in) Back in the day, the division was packed with talent and I fought whoever wanted to fight. Shane, Fernando...I fought all of them, and whoever didn't want to fight, they either moved up or down. I cleared the whole division out. I didn't really have anybody else to fight, so I had no choice but to fight out of my natural weight class. But now, since I've been away for awhile, I see a lot of these little guys have gotten brave and have moved back up. The division is starting to load up with talent again, so I'm looking to go back to reclaim what was never taken from me in the first place.
BT: You've been out for awhile now and haven't fought at 154 in six years. Are you looking to jump right back into the mix or are you trying to get a tune-up first to...
WW: (Cutting in) There won't be no tune-ups. I've fought for so long against so many good fighters, I feel I'm ready to go against any of the top names right now. Cotto, Pacquiao, Margarito...any of those guys; I'm ready for the challenge. I need that kind of challenge. That's what motivates me. I started at 154 and I plan on ending at 154 with all those titles.
BT: Well, obviously you've got Pacquiao and Margarito fighting for the WBC strap. Cotto's got the WBA title, Bundrage has the IBF title and Dzinziruk has the WBO. That looks like a lot of options, but with 3 of them being Top Rank fighters, I'm sure Arum will look to match up his own guys before putting them in with you. So which title are you realistically hoping to get back first?
WW: To be honest, man, if Cotto has the heart and pride that Tito has, he would fight me, but I can understand if he's a little reluctant to step in there with me. It really don't matter though. Eventually, I'll get to 'em all. But since I started off with the IBF belt the first time I unified, I might as well start there again the second time around. I saw K9 [Cornelius Bundrage] was barkin' on the site last week. I understand where he's coming from. I know what it's like to be a champion, but certain guys don't want to fight you. Well, if Bundrage is ready to prove that he's really the man; if he's ready to separate himself from the pack and ready to step up to the plate against a future Hall of Famer, I'm willing to give him that kind of opportunity to enhance his legacy.
BT: I have a feeling that Bundrage might not be too eager to...
WW: (Cutting in) I don't see why not. He can forget about fighting Cotto, Pacquiao or Margarito. Bob [Arum] ain't trying to make any of those fights with DK [Don King]. If it ain't just about the money and K9 is really looking to prove that he's the best, like he says, then a win over Winky Wright would enhance his legacy. It would be great for his career. It could mean the difference between the Hall of Fame or just being remembered for The Contender. Nobody took the titles away from me at 154. He could be the first to lay claim to that. If he's looking for his opportunity to shine on the big stage, I'm more than willing to give it to him.
BT: Well, I'm sure we'll be hearing back from K9 shortly after this interview goes up, so we'll find out just how eager he is to prove himself against the last undisputed jr. middleweight champion. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans in closing?
WW: I just want the fans to know that I'm still ready, willing and able to step in there with anyone. I still got a lot of fight left in me, so I'm lookin' to come back and get all of my titles back.
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