Winky Wright retires at age 40

Published Jun. 4, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

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 ''Kid Chocolate'' Quillin at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

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's co-promoter announced his retirement Tuesday.

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.

Wright, who is from St. Petersburg, Fla., is likely a Hall of Famer after a 22-year career in which he was a two-time junior middleweight titleholder and scored big wins over Shane Mosley (twice) and Felix Trinidad. His first win over Mosley, a unanimous decision in March 2004, was his big break. He won a majority decision in the rematch eight months later.

Mosley formally retired Monday.