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 Boxer Winky Wright's return to the ring against Grady Brewer this month has been canceled, despite the promoter paying all expenses up front.
Wright was set to make his return in a December 11th middleweight bout where he'd headline the pay-per-view card against the former "The Contender" winner in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
However, co-promoter San Juan City Knockout withdrew its support and everyone was forced to call off the fight.
"The local promoter canceled the show after he completely paid in full all the PPV expenses, travel, advertising, marketing, commercials," Wright adviser Damian Ramirez told ESPN.com. "Don't know why."
In an official statement, Wright expressed his disappointment for the fight's cancellation, and denied rumors that he asked for a large amount to get into the ring.
"I am really disappointed the show can't happen, as I was training very hard and really wanted to get back in the ring," the boxer said. "I was so looking forward to fighting in Puerto Rico in front of all the Puerto Rican people who are boxing fanatics and really know and appreciate the sport.
"I still am a bit shocked the show was cancelled by the promoter in Puerto Rico, but I want to make it perfectly clear it was not because I asked for millions of dollars to fight. We had done everything possible to make this show come together and I knew the financial considerations I needed to make in order for it to happen. Unfortunately now this is not the case, and I will look to find another alternative, so I can fight as soon as possible," Wright continued.
Wright hasn't fought since losing to Paul Williams in a lopsided decision in April, which followed a nearly two-year layoff after a disappointing decision loss to Bernard Hopkins in 2007.
The boxer says he plans to look for new fight right away, so he can get back into the ring early next year. But, he eventually wants to face middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.
"I hope that we can work something out so that I will be fighting in the early part of 2010, as I am anxious to use all the hard work and training I have already put in for this show," Wright said. "I just hope everyone has a great holiday season, and look for me to fight again soon after the New Year."
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