Mark Tucker Talks Billy Bailey Fight, Strategy, More

By Ryan Burton

Light heavyweight prospect Mark "TNT" Tucker (13-0) returns to action on June 19th on the undercard to the Andre Ward-Allan Green Super Six bout in Oakland, California. Tucker, who has sparred with Antonio Tarver and Paul Williams takes on Billy Bailey (10-7) for the NABO light heavyweight championship. The Maryland native talks about the keys to victory and more in this Boxingscene exclusive interview.

BoxingScene.com: Tell us about your upcoming fight with Billy Bailey.

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Mark Tucker: It should be a good exciting fight. We are fighting for the NABO light heavyweight championship. I have trained hard and I am ready to go to work on Saturday.

BoxingScene.com: What are the keys to victory?

Mark Tucker: I just need to use my jab and my speed to outwork him. I need to stay busy the whole fight and basically use the jab. If I stick to the game plan then I should come out with the win.

BoxingScene.com: Have you seen any tape on him? What are some of the thing have to look out for?

Mark Tucker: Yeah I have seen some tape on him. He pretty much just comes at you and throws straight punches. He doesn't look extremely fast or anything like that. He looks just kinda normal really. If I stick to the plan and box him I should win.

BoxingScene.com: In your home state of Maryland you have a pretty big following. How does it feel to be fighting on such a high profile card out in California?

Mark Tucker: I am very excited for it and I am ready for it. I really can't wait to in the ring and start the fight. I had a good camp and good sparring and I am ready to go.

BoxingScene.com: Do you have a prediction for the main event between Andre Ward and Allan Green?

Mark Tucker: To tell you the truth I really don't have one. Not yet anyway. I have been concentrating on my own fight and I really haven't thought about how that fight plays out. I am 100% focused on my fight.

BoxingScene.com: Besides picking up the belt what do you think a win over Bailey does for you?

Mark Tucker: I am not exactly sure. That is up to my promoters. I have signed with Lou DiBella and everything has been great so far. He is talking about getting me on tv soon so I can't wait for that. I really am excited about that. Whatever they present as the next challenge I will be ready.

BoxingScene.com: You were very active in 2009 and this is your first fight in 2010. Why the inactivity?

Mark Tucker: I am not exactly sure. It is just trying to find the fights and then making the fights happen. I know I am ready to go back to work and I am excited about it.

BoxingScene.com: If you had a crystal ball and I called you a year from now where do you see your career at that point?

Mark Tucker: Hopefully I would be fighting for another championship belt on YV and making more money.

BoxingScene.com: Do you have a message for the fans?

Mark Tucker: I hope the fans can come out to Oakland and support me. It should be a great fight. I want to thank them for all their support and I don't plan on letting down come Saturday.

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