By Mark Vester
The St. Petersburg Times reports that middleweight Winky Wright came to terms on Monday to fight former welterweight champion Ike Quartey of Ghana, December 2 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Wright, fighting at home for the first time in years, confirms that former super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy, another Florida native, will make his return on the undercard.
The card will be televised by HBO.
"Finally, I get to come home. I've been wanting to come back for a long time, but I just didn't have the television networks coming with me," said Wright. "But now I get the chance to show all my fans I appreciate them, and to thank them for following me out to Vegas and all the other little towns I've fought in."
It was said that at the last minute, Quartey wanted more money to fight in Wright's backyard, but Quartey's promoter Lou DiBella confirms that he will sign the contract and the fight will happen.
"Looks like we're coming to Tampa," said DiBella. "They made us a fair offer, and we agree. Ike said he and Winky are both used to going into the lion's den, so he's willing to sign a contract. At this point I believe we have a deal."
