Chalky Wright
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chalky Wright was an Mexican-American featherweight boxer and world champion. He was born Albert Wright on February 10, 1912 in Durango, Mexico. He fought from 1928 to 1948, and his career record was 158 wins (77 KO), 43 losses and 17 draws. Wright made the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
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[edit] Personal
Wright's family were migrant farm workers from Mexico, where Chalky was born .His family has also lived in Texas & Colorado.
[edit] Professional career
Wright campaigned many years before getting a crack at the featherweight championship then held by Joey Archibald. On September 11, 1941, Wright dethroned Archibald by scoring a TKO in the eleventh round. Wright successfully defended the title against former champion Harry Jeffra (TKO 10) on June 19, 1942, but lost his title on a decision to the legendary Willie Pep on November 20, 1942. In 1938, Wright also met the great Henry Armstrong, but was knocked out in 3 rounds.
[edit] Boxing Trainer
Wright was the Trainer of Lightweight contender Tommy Campbell in 1950.
[edit] Outside the Ring
Wright served as a chauffeur and bodyguard for Mae West.
[edit] Death
Wright died on December 8, 1957 when he slipped in a bathtub and drowned. [1]
[edit] Trivia
Despite attempts to discredit his heritage, Wright was without a doubt born in the Mexican state of Durango. Although not Mexican ethnically, was he born there. Wright, son of Santiago Wright, was a Black man who's first language was Spanish. Records can be traced to show he lived at one point in Colton, California. He was not born in Durango, Colorado. He holds an important place in boxing history, being the very first Mexican-born fighter to win a world championship.
[edit] Honors
Named to The Ring Magazine's 100 Greatest Punchers (2003).
[edit] External links
fr;Chalky Wright
