TalkingBoxing Interviews
Walter Wright Ready for First Main Event
FRI July 29, JULIUS STECKER - Jr. middleweight prospect Walter '2 Guns’ Wright has fight fans in the Pacific Northwest excited and enthused. Wright, 7-1, also has his promoter Brian Halquist raving about his potential. Halquist, who calls former world champion Greg Haugen a friend, says Walter is the most talented fighter he's ever been around. Fight fans, we could have something here!
The 24-year old, Seattle, Washington native has a blend of speed and power that already makes him a local crowd favorite. Tomorrow night, Saturday July 30th, '2 Guns' will be taking on Calvin Odom (14-7) in his first main event in the Battle at the Boat at the Emerald Queen Casino, in Tacoma Washington.
TalkingBoxing.com managed to catch up with the young contender before his upcoming fight to get his take on his career and much more.
“I really don’t know too much about Calvin Odom. I know he is tall and he has some power, (10 KO’s). So he is tough. But I know what I have to do in there,” explained Wright.
Wright was a dynamite amateur fighter and was a 2000 United States Olympic Alternate. He dominated the ranks with his superior boxing skills, and his ring generalship. The transfer to the pros has been going well for the youngster.
Wright turned pro in 2003, and was shocked in his pro debut, losing by KO to the currently undefeated Matt O’Brien. Wright used that incident as a learning tool and feels that that experience made him a better fighter.
“I took that as a great learning experience,” he explained, “I was in there trying to look good, and I got caught with a good shot, but it made me realize that this is real. It really motivated me to be a better, and a more focused fighter." Seven wins later, I think the experience sunk in.
A self described boxer-puncher, Wright hasn't lost since and looks to go the way of Bernard Hopkins, who lost his first pro fight and went on to become an all-time great middleweight. Wright is looking to finish 2005 with a 12-1 record and at the end of 2006, will be looking for a shot at a regional or maybe even a world title. And he is knows his promoter Brian Halquist will lead the way.
In boxing there is often times friction between promoters and fighters. Wright and Halquist are far from the stereotype though.
“It is a great relationship, I wanted to stay and Seattle and I know that Brian can take me places. Right now I am staying at his house and getting to know his family. I believe if you can’t trust your team then can’t be successful, and I am very happy with my team,” said Wright.
Wright will be looking to make a statement July 30th. And he closed with, “I don’t play around in there.” Come this Saturday night in Tacoma, he may be looking to close the show early.
Wright-Odom -- Battle at the Boat XXXIX
Tacoma, Washington - Saturday July 30 will mark a great day for upcoming northwest sensation Walter Wright. He will be headlining his first ten round main event against Calvin Odom. “The Northwest boxing fan is in for a treat,” says promoter Brian Halquist. “Walter is the best fighter the northwest has produced since Greg Haugen.”
“Walter Wright is one of the most powerful fighters in the northwest” says Brian Halquist, Wright’s promoter. “He’s been a force to contend with ever since Walter entered professional boxing, now it’s time to show Washington what this guy can really do.” This will be Wright’s fourth fight in twelve weeks, which includes his victory on ESPN2’s Tuesday night fight. “Walter is on the fast track” added Halquist, “Walter will be fighting tough but we have confidence he can win it.”
Walter Wright faces Calvin Odom (14-7-0 10KO’s), a 24-year-old from Inglewood, California, as the main event at the Emerald Queen Casino showroom at I-5. The under card events will begin at 7:30 and will include Puyallup tribal member Roger Cantrell (2-0), Othello’s David Torres (9-0, 7KO’s) and more!
Tickets available at Ticketmaster locations at the Emerald Queen Casino box office or through www.halquistproductions.com Ticket Prices are $20, $40 and $70.
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