Tacoma's darling dancer, boxer Walter Wright, returns to the ring after a two-year lay-off at the Emerald Queen Casino on January 9th against Skyler Thompson.

Wright's considerable boxing skills and confidence have been his downfall over the years.

Wright had a great amateur career and much hope was placed on his professional career. He entered into his pro debut against Matt O'Brien in 2003, a tomato can that rolled off the pasta shelf at Piggly Wiggly, as if he had already won the fight, only to find himself kissing the canvass to the count of ten.

Wright, with his infectious grin and charming personality cannot be disliked. The television producers recognized those traits when they signed him to appear on "The Contender" a boxing reality show where failed soap opera stars pretend to be boxers. He immediately became one of the most charming stars on the show and might have captured the whole audience had he not been forced to step into the ring against Cornelius Bundrage.

The down side was he lost because he decided to box rather than to fight against an opponent he could have easily beaten. The up side was he caught the eyes of the producers of "Dancing With the Stars" and was offered a shot on the show right behind the Fred Astaire of the ring, Evander Hollyfield.

Fortunately for boxing fans he declined the offer and has decided to reenter the world of fisticuffs. A recent visit to the Azteca Boxing Gym, in Renton, revealed he is hard at work correcting former mistakes and preparing to make a substantial comeback. His boxing skills remain intact but he is adding something new - power! He understands there is a time to box and a time to fight. If the lumpy heavy bag he left swinging in the breeze is any indication, he knows the difference.

Expect him to make a good and serious performance at the Queen since he has decided to treat his career like a real job and not the hokey-pokey.