Carroll County Times Names 'TNT' Tucker Top Story of 2009!

The Sports staff of the Carroll County Times has called the rise of undefeated Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker it's top story of 2009, beating out such stories as the Ravens's run to the 2009 AFC championship and the rise of the prospects for the Baltimore Orioles in the paper's top 10.

Here is what the Times's staff says about Tucker:

Mark “TNT” Tucker took Carroll County, and the light heavyweight boxing scene by storm this year.

Introducing professional boxing to the county with a series of bouts held at the Carroll County Agricultural Center and staged by his production company, Tucker rapidly emerged as the United States Boxing Organization champion with a unanimous victory over Jim Strohl on Sept. 25.

After just 13 professional fights, the undefeated Eldersburg resident is right where he wants to be at the tender age of 22: a champion.

“Looking back on my career as a pro, it was pretty fast,” Tucker said. “It all pays off at the end. It was great looking back on it. It’s awesome.

“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s all worth it. ... I’m looking forward to defending my title. I think I’ll be able to win some world championships.”

Drawing 2,000 or more fans to Shipley Arena at each fight, Tucker built an adoring fan base that chanted his name as he entered the ring to his traditional theme song, “A Country Boy Can Survive.”

With a strong jab and sound conditioning, Tucker routinely built leads on judges’ scorecards. He has also recorded seven career knockouts.

“Mark’s been a champion a long time, in my mind,” said Mark Tucker Sr, Tucker’s father and trainer. “Now, it’s official. It ain’t been easy, and it ain’t over. This is just the beginning.”

Tucker defended his title with a unanimous decision over George Armenta in December. With former world champion Buddy McGirt in his corner, Tucker overcame two injured hands to gut it out for the win.

“Mark has a lot of talent, a lot of raw talent,” McGirt said. “He needs a lot of sharpening up, but things are happening fast.”

BRINGING IT UP TO DATE: Tucker is about to take his show on the road, and will soon compete for a more prestigious championship belt.

Tucker will fight for the International Boxing Organization’s vacant Intercontinental title against Ronson Frank (13-0, seven knockouts) of Rosedale, N.Y. The fight is tentatively scheduled for March 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

“For this next fight, he has to be on his Ps and Qs,” McGirt said. “Ronson Frank is tall, rangy and he can fight.”

It represents a power move for Tucker.

“Everybody’s asking me when I’m going to start being on HBO and pay-per-view, and I definitely feel like I’m ready to move up,” Tucker said. “I’m really psyched for that and ready to go. I’m excited. “Maybe we can start going on to bigger and better things, and start making some real money.”