Press Release: Light heavyweight Mark “TNT” Tucker is promising an early Christmas present for opponent George Armenta: a ten-round beatdown. While many are preparing to wind down for the holidays, Tucker runs ten miles every morning in his native Eldersburg, MD and trains twice daily to ensure that he is fully prepared for his first title defense Friday night at the Shipley Arena in Maryland. “I have put in a ton of time for this fight”, said Tucker. “Everything is going great right now. I am completely focused and doing all kinds heavy training so come Friday, my plan can be executed.”
Though questions of potential effects from recent inactivity arise, Armenta is considered a live dog that has a good chance at pulling off the upset. Armenta, 13-4 with 11 KOs, defeated title contender Irving Garcia and 2000 Olympian Dante Craig, while dropping hard fought decisions to future WBA junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and Sechew Powell. Armenta has never been stopped as a professional and is known for creating match up difficulties. “George is a tough guy and he is a respectable opponent.” “I don’t expect him to be any kind of push over so I will be ready for whatever he brings on fight night”
Volume puncher and Paul Williams protégée Jamar “The Truth” Freeman, 4-0-2 (1 KO) of North Carolina battles Omar Sims in the co-feature. Baltimore, MD ’s Sims, 3-1-3 (1 KO), who fought to a draw and lost a close decision to Freeman, will look to even out the score over six rounds at junior middleweight.
Decorated amateur Emmanuel “Transformer” Taylor of Edgewood, MD takes on once beaten Dwayne “Diesel” Shelton of Bumpass, VA in a four-round welterweight contest. Taylor, 4-0 (4 KO’s), was rated amongst the best amateurs in the nation prior to turning pro. At 2-1-1, Shelton will attempt to upset an unbeaten fighter for the second time.
“Slick” Nick Kisner makes his pro debut against 21 fight veteran Gary Lavender, and Buddy McGirt trained Adam Willett takes on Garret Wilson. Both bouts are scheduled for four rounds at cruiserweight. Popular middleweight Allan Perkins “Pit Bull” Perkins (1-1) of Frederick takes on Annapolis ’ Vince Batteast over four rounds for Free State bragging rights.
In addition to an outstanding night of boxing, fans will have the opportunity to give back to those in need, as Toys for Tots representatives will be on hand throughout the evening to collect donations. All ticket holders are encouraged to bring new or lightly used toys to help make this Christmas enjoyable for the less fortunate.
Tickets can be ordered by calling 443-277-2256 or 240-401-5885. Tickets are also available on location at No Anchovies Pizza in Taneytown, MD, All Landscape Supply in Westminster , MD and Athens Health Club in Eldersburg , MD.
The Shipley Arena is located at 706 Agriculture Center Dr. in Westminster, MD. Doors open at 6:30 and the opening bell is scheduled for 8 pm.
