POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS WRIGHT ON.

Byline: MICHAEL ROSENTHAL Boxing

Winky Wright insists he isn't bitter.

The IBF junior middleweight belt holder has never had a marquee fight or huge payday, never received adequate recognition for his unusual ability, never found true gratification in a sport he loves.

Wright, 30, won't deny any of the above. He also isn't inclined to complain about it.

``I'm very satisfied,'' said Wright, who outpointed Robert Frazier to win the title and has defended twice. ``I have had disappointing moments but I gotta be grateful. ... I ain't making millions, but I could be working 9 to 5 and making nothing.

``I'm making a lot of money for doing something I like to do.''

Wright (44-3, with 25 knockouts) has grown accustomed to his plight, shared by many talented, but overlooked fighters.

Wright, from St. Petersburg, Fla., was one of the nation's best amateurs as the 1992 Olympics approached but was largely overlooked because he joined the program late.

And even though he started his career 16-0, with 10 knockouts, he couldn't pique the interest of the top promoters. Not an amateur star, not a particularly captivating style or big punch, left-handed - who needs him?

So Wright signed with a European promoter and started a pugilistic road show, making a decent living and building a reputation as a fine, polished boxer. He fought 20 times in Europe, South America and South Africa between 1993 and 1998, losing only to then-world-champion Julio Cesar Vasquez and Harry Simon.

``Over here, I'd make, oh, $1,000 a fight,'' he said. ``Over there, I'd fight eight rounds and make $5,000. I fought a lot and saw the world. It's cool.''

Wright finally received a break when he landed a fight with one of America's rising stars - Fernando Vargas - on Dec. 4, 1999, in Lincoln City, Ore.

Efficient and resilient, Wright fought well - well enough to win, according to many observers - but lost a majority decision and could only watch as Vargas went on to bigger things and massive paydays.

Just another frustrating day at the office.

``I thought I walked through him, I thought I dominated the fight,'' a stunned Wright said at the time.

Wright ultimately realized the dream of every fighter: He won a world title when he beat Frazier in his third shot at a belt and 11 long years into his career. If nothing else, he'll always have that.

However, his career again is in limbo as he pushes for a big fight.

Of course, his first choice would be Oscar De La Hoya, who holds the WBC and WBA junior middleweight belts and is recognized as the best 154-pound fighter. Against De La Hoya, Wright would have the opportunity to prove how good he is and make a fortune at the same time.

And although De La Hoya doesn't seem to be interested, Wright's handlers are making their case for the fight.

For example: ``Obviously, Oscar has nothing to be ashamed of in his career,'' said Fred Sternberg, Wright's publicist. ``One thing he's never done, though, is become undisputed champ.''

And if Wright doesn't get that or another major fight? He won't be surprised.

He's the type of fighter who can make even a star look bad. He's good, he's tough and most fighters shy away from left-handers. He's a significant risk without a big upside because of his relative lack of name recognition.

He said candidly, ``I understand why people steer away from me.''

So what is Wright to do? He'll continue to state his case, continue to be the respectful, articulate man he is rather than the loud-mouthed boors who often make the big bucks, and live with the result.

``Hey, I never expected to be a boxer,'' he said. ``This is all a bonus. ... For me, if I don't fight De La Hoya or Vargas (again), whoever, I ain't missing no sleep. I'm doing what I enjoy, I'm fighting - on TV. My kids get to see me.

``I'm loving every minute of this.''

--Ruelas watch: Undefeated super featherweight champion Acelino Freitas is looking for an opponent for February. Tops on the list? It could be Gabriel Ruelas.

The 32-year-old former champ from Sylmar, 3-0 in his comeback, has publicly challenged Freitas and the Brazilian reportedly is open to the idea.

``I'm ready to get back to where I once was,'' Ruelas said. ``I want to fight the best at my best weight, 130 pounds, and this is ... Freitas.

``I know Freitas is supposed to be a good, young guy who hits hard, but he has never fought anybody with my experience or talent. I would fight him in a heartbeat.''

Ruelas, now being trained by Jesse Reid, has outpointed his three opponents since returning from an 18-month layoff after losing three of five fights.

His three most recent opponents had a combined record of 64-127-1, according to one source, but Ruelas has credentials. His most significant victory was a decision over James Leija that gave him the WBC belt in 1994.

``I fought Azumah (Nelson) twice, Arturo Gatti, Troy Dorsey,'' Ruelas said. ``I was the underdog when I beat Leija, when everybody was picking him to win. Really, who has Freitas defeated?

``I seriously doubt any of the other guys who Freitas has beaten could whip any of the guys I have.''

Freitas defeated Joel Casamayor by a controversial decision in January, his most notable triumph.

--Greatest moments II: I figured that in light of 100-plus years of boxing history, I'd miss one or two pivotal moments in last week's column. But three? THESE three?

Regrettable omissions: Muhamad Ali-Joe Frazier I, the fact Henry Armstrong held three titles simultaneously and at least one moment in Sugar Ray Robinson's great career.

The Ali-Frazier omission was an oversight. The much-hyped 1971 bout between the unbeaten heavyweights was intended to be in the second 10 (because I didn't want four Ali fights in the top 10) but it was mistakenly left out.

Armstrong outpointed Lou Ambers in 1938 to win the lightweight title, giving him three championships at the same time (featherweight and welterweight included) in an era with only eight weight classes.

That accomplishment should've been in the top five.

And Robinson probably should've been represented, although not many moments in his career stand out. His one-punch knockout of Gene Fullmer or pounding of a tough but overmatched Jake LaMotta in their final meeting might stand out.

Better a week late than never?

--Mosley update: Shane Mosley will fight Raul Marquez rather than Yory Boy Campas in February, according to USA Today.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

--Urbano Antillon vs. Oscar Villa, lightweights, Hilton Burbank Convention Center.

FRIDAY

--Cosme Rivera vs. Pedro Saiz, junior welterweights, New York, N.Y., Telemundo.

--Laila Ali vs. Valerie Mahfood, super middleweights, Las Vegas, ESPN2.

--Alejandro Gonzalez vs. Ernesto Zepeda, Tijuana, Mexico, Telefutura.

SATURDAY

--Jeff Lacy vs. Ross Thompson, super middleweights, Oklahoma City, Okla., Showtime. Also, Sharmba Mitchell vs. Vince Phillips, junior welterweights.

--Paul Spadafora vs. Dennis Holbaek, for Spadafora's IBF lightweight title, Chester, W.Va., pay-per-view.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

(color) Overlooked IBF junior middleweight champion Winky Wright, left, is hoping for a big fight to boost his reputation.

Steve Mitchell/Associated Press

Box:

THIS WEEK (see text)