Chioke Tucker has spent more than six years training with a “professional mentality” in the United States and England, but has never had an amateur bout in Bermuda.

That all changes tomorrow night, when he headlines the Bermuda International Boxing Association’s first card, dubbed “The Homecoming”, against Leo “the Lionheart” Richardson at the BAA Gymnasium.

The 34-year-old, who harbours hopes of turning professional, admits that it is somewhat strange that he has never ventured between the ropes in his home country, but is determined to put on a show when the Island’s public catch their first glimpse of him in action.

“I’ve trained in Bermuda but I’ve never fought here,” said Tucker, who trains at Forty Rego’s Gym in Warwick.

“It’s kind of strange that I haven’t fought here, but I’ve been overseas for the last ten years in the United States and London.

“Boxing wasn’t really on the rise in Bermuda when I was really hungry for it years ago, so I moved overseas to train and learn. I picked up some good things in both countries because it’s hard being a heavyweight in Bermuda — you’re kind of limited.

“I’ve been training alongside pros and sparring with pros for the last six years, so pro is how I consider myself.

“I’ve been training here for the last six months and you can’t get any better than training with Mr Rego.” He may be eight years younger than Richardson, who will be lacing up the gloves for the first time in eight years, but Tucker insists that his relative youth will not be a significant factor against his wily opponent, who boxes out of Controversy Gym.

“I remember seeing Leo fight some years ago,” Tucker said. “I’ve always known him as one of the heavyweights down here banging people out and he seems like a cool guy outside the ring.

“I know he’s keen to do it to help gain exposure for the kids [who are fighting], so I agreed to do it.

“He’s older than me, but age is nothing but a number in the heavyweight division. These days, you get a lot of heavyweights turning pro in their mid-thirties because that’s when they start coming into their prime.

“I’m not going to let him slip that on me and pull the age factor. You hit even harder when you get older, when you plant your feet.”

Tucker said he was thrilled to be headlining the “Homecoming” event and believes the bigger the crowd, the better he will box.

“It’s a good feeling to be the main event and I know there will be a lot of kids coming down who look up me as one of the older guys in Rego’s Gym. It’s nice to have your name as one of the main attractions and I’m looking to get in there and give a good show.

“I really hope we get a good crowd. I feel bigger the bigger crowd, the better I will perform.”

Bermudian boxing greats Clarence Hill, Troy Darrell and Quinn Paynter will be among those acknowledged for their achievements at the event. Tickets for the 12-bout card can be purchased at the International Sports Shop or at the door. Ringside tickets are $60, while general admission is $40.