Tony Tucker

Tony Tucker ( * December 27, 1958 in Grand Rapids ) is a former professional boxer.

Amateur

In 1979 he was U.S. national champion at light heavyweight, won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in San Juan and won the World Cup in New York. His amateur balance was 115-6.

Professional career

Tucker began his professional career in 1980. His successes in the early years, but never defeated notable opponents. It was at this time in Cedric Kushner under contract.

On 30 May 1987 he became world champion when he fought against James Douglas for the vacant IBF title. After initial problems, he could then decide the fight in the tenth round technical knockout for themselves. After the points battle was balanced at this time.

But in his first title defense on August 1 of the same year he had to give up the belt again at the unification fight against former WBA and WBC champion Mike Tyson, he clearly lost on points.

His promoter Don King gave him another world title fights: On 8 May 1993, he boxed against WBC champion Lennox Lewis and also lost convincingly on points, but still showed a relatively good performance. Of this there could be no more talk, when he took on April 8, 1995 to the not very prestigious Bruce Seldon for the vacant WBA crown; on points laid back, he lost due to an eye injury from demolition in round eight. On June 28, 1997, he boxed against WBO heavyweight champion Herbie Hide, who ausknockte him in the second round.

Losses he had also against Henry Akinwande, Orlin Norris (whom he had beaten in 1991 still ) suffered by points and John Ruiz by KO in round eleven.

His last fight he played on 8 May 1998 against Billy Wright and won by KO in the first round.