Winky Wright made a name for himself early in his career fighting in Europe, where he has had 18 bouts. He might be back soon.

Golden Boy Promotions, Wright’s promoter, is in negotiations with the handlers of veteran Felix Sturm for a fight late this year or early next year in Germany.

Sturm retained his WBA middleweight belt by narrowly outpointing Khoren Gevor on Saturday. Wright is coming off a one-sided loss to Paul Williams in April after a 21-month hiatus from boxing.

“Winky made it clear that he’d go to Germany,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy. “I’ve already had conversations with Universum [Sturm’s promoter) and we’re scheduled to have further discussions (this) week. We’ll see if we can pull it off. Winky reminded me that he fought many times in Europe. He has a well-known name internationally as well as in the U.S.

“We realize Sturm is champion; obviously, he’ll get the champion’s privileges. It’s definitely a doable deal.”

Wright also told Schaefer that he’d love to fight RING middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.

“I know Bob Arum [Pavlik’s promoter] is on vacation,” Schaefer said. “Winky made it clear to me he’s interested as well in fighting Pavlik. His first choice is Sturm, though.”

Golden Boy had considered having Wright fight on the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez undercard on Sept. 19 but Wright is getting married on Aug. 1.

Michael Rosenthal can be reached at [email protected]