1994 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: BOXING
Parents: Luddie and Hannah Tucker (deceased)
Wife: Shirley Ann Tucker
Son: Juan Pierre Tucker
Eugene was born in Flint, Michigan, June 25, 1933, into a family of six. His father and mother passed away when Eugene was 16 years old, and he was raised by his oldest sister and aunt Ophelia Bonner. He attended Parkland, Roosevelt and Clark Elementary Schools, Whittier Jr. High and graduated from Flint Central. Eugene overcame a serious illness at age 12. Doctor’s told him that he would never be able to participate in any sport or join the U.S. Military.
He played little league baseball and at Central ran cross country and participated on track and field teams.
He won four city Golden Gloves Championships, 1951-Flyweight Champion, 1952-Bantamweight, 1953 and 1956-Featherweight Champion. He won two state Golden Gloves Championships, 1951-Flyweight, 1952 Bantam weight. Fought in Chicago National Tournament, won two fights before being eliminated in the quarterfinals in 1952. He was the Michigan A.A.U. State Open 118 lb. Boxing Champion. After winning the city Featherweight Championship in 1953, he was drafted into the Army serving two years and was honorably discharged in 1955.
In 1956 he won the Featherweight Championship and the most outstanding boxer in the Open Division in Flint Golden Gloves. He was the first of three Flint boxers in the history of Flint Golden Gloves to seek three State boxing titles, twice.
Since moving to Chicago, he has become a distance runner, competing in many marathon races.
At present, he is the membership chairman of the Rainbow Road Runners. Truly a great champion worthy of this honor.
