Inducted on November 11, 2010
Arthur Tucker, more commonly known as “Big Art Tucker”, at an early age suffered self-induced pitfalls for a major portion of his life, but has since made a 180 Degree turnaround. This lifestyle landed him in prison on a life sentence. Art served the majority of his time behind the rigorous walls of Rahway Prison now known as East Jersey State Prison. During his stay, he and other inmates organized the renowned Lifer’s Group Juvenile Awareness Program, which aired on national television as Scared Straight. This program was formed to steer high-risk juveniles in the right direction by using “tough love” methods. Known for its’ “in your face” and raw, direct approach tactics, this program was acclaimed for its success.
Art earned an Associates Degree in Business from Mercer County College while serving time in Rahway Prison. He later began to train in Boxing, competing against and slaughtering all who entered the ring. Towering over the majority of his opponents at the staggering height of 6’6”, this is where he got his start as a professional Boxer. After serving 12 years, two in solitary confinement, Arthur was released by the Governor of New Jersey on Executive Clemency. He continued his Boxing career outside of the prison walls, working his way up to fight the likes of Tim Witherspoon, Riddick Bowe, and Tommy Morrison to name a few. Upon retiring from the sport of Boxing, he ranked No. 9 as a World Class Heavy Weight Contender in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) with a career record of 30 fights, 25 wins, 20 via knockout, and 5 losses.
Still an avid fan of the sport, Big Art enthusiastically seeks to parley his experiences inside and out of the ring as a problem solving facilitator where he enables people to make informed choices about their lifestyle. He is a licensed bail bondsman with Octavia Bail Bond and the Co-Founder of Cops, Cons, and Kids, a voluntary non-profit organization designed and established to address issues and situations concerning at-risk youth and ex-convicts making the transition back into society in an effort to build self-esteem and life skills. He is also the National of Islam’s F.O.I. Captain of Muhammad Mosque #25 in the City of Newark, under the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, where he trains God fearing men to be humble, tolerant, courteous, honest, and dependable.
Art has occasionally done Executive Security for many professionals and artists in the entertainment business. However, one of his biggest post-boxing achievements was his assistance in the historical gathering of “Bloods” and “Crips” gang members of six different sects in one room, without incident, to sign a cease-fire peace treaty. He is constantly working to help make this peace treaty a reality.
Art takes his work with Cops, Cons, and Kids very personal and has entered the homes of many families armed with his “Scared Straight” style. He has spoken at Rutgers University, Sites of the Newark Housing Authority, the Essex County Youth House, and most public schools throughout Newark and surrounding cities to name a few of his speaking engagements. Art has been honored by the City of Newark as an “Unsung Hero.” He is a firm believer that “building strong communities starts with building strong individuals.” Whether fighting in the ring or fighting for a human cause, “Big Art Tucker” will also go the distance.
Art resides in East Orange, New Jersey with his wife of 12 years, Toya, and is the parent of 4 sons (1 deceased, 1 serving in the U.S. Army) and 6 daughters (2 educators and 1 lab analyst.)
Boxing Record on BoxRec – Art Tucker