Boxing champion Winky Wright announces retirement

LOS ANGELES (AP) - 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.

The St. Petersburg, Fla., boxer 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.

Mosley formally retired Monday.