by David P. Greisman

It was a case that made headlines nationwide not because of the caliber of boxer involved in the alleged crime — but for the way in which authorities were able to mount a case against him.

And now Martin Tucker has been found guilty of being part of a bank robbery in Michigan back in 2009, according to Detroit television station WWJ.

The guilty verdict for Tucker and another man came in last week. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 9.

Tucker’s latest win proved to also be the night that led to his greatest defeat.

That’s because the FBI had long suspected the junior welterweight of robbing the bank. Nearly three years later, in April 2012, an investigator watched Tucker win a four-rounder over Devarise Clayton, and then seized a Q-tip that Tucker’s corner man had inserted in the fighter’s bloody nose, according to a report earlier this year in The Detroit News.

DNA from the Q-Tip apparently matched that of a ski mask police found after tracking down the vehicle used in the robbery. The mask was among evidence found in a wooded area nearby, the newspaper said.

Tucker was arrested in July.

The Clayton fight was Tucker’s first win in his past seven fights, but years ago he had put together an impressive batch of victories, taking a decision over Rashad Holloway very early in Holloway’s career, winning a split decision over tough gatekeeper Doel Carrasquillo and then beating then-undefeated prospect Michael Torres.

Tucker’s win over Torres, who was 13-0 at the time, was chronicled in this fantastic article by BoxingScene’s own Thomas Gerbasi:

http://www.boxingscene.com/martin-tucker-underdog-bites-back--22862

After beating Torres, Tucker lost to several recognizable names: Lanard Lane, Sharif Bogere, Ivan Popoca and Nick Casal.

The 33-year-old has a pro record of 8-10 with 3 knockouts.

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com