Mark Breland

Last updated
Mark Breland
Mark Breland and Serik Konakbayev.jpg
Breland (left) and Serik Konakbayev (right) in 2010
Born
Mark Anthony Breland

May 11, 1963 (1963-05-11) (age 61)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Statistics
Height6 ft 2+1⁄2 in (189 cm) [1]
Reach77+1⁄2 in (197 cm) [1]
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights38 as a professional
Wins35
Wins by KO25
Losses3
Draws1
Medal record
Men’s boxing
Representing the Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1984 Los Angeles Welterweight
World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1982 Munich Welterweight

Mark Anthony Breland (born May 11, 1963) is an American boxing trainer. As an amateur, he was a Gold Medal winner at the 1984 Summer Olympics, with a 110-1 record as an amateur and is regarded among the greatest amateur fighters ever. He competed as a professional from 1984 to 1997, and held the WBA welterweight title twice between 1987 and 1990. He later became an actor with a wide range of movie and television credits, having made his debut in The Lords of Discipline, and also appeared in the music video for The Pointer Sisters' 1985 hit single, "Dare Me."

Contents

Amateur career

Breland was born in Brooklyn, New York. He began fighting when he was 7 years old, taking on challengers in the lobby and hallways of the housing project where he lived. At 9 years old, he earned a spot on Muhammad Ali’s youth boxing camp at his Deer Lake, New York, training camp. At 13 he entered the gym and embraced boxing as a way of life. [2] He won five New York Golden Gloves titles (1980–84) with a record of 21–0 (19 KO's), with 14 knockouts coming in the 1st round, surpassing Sugar Ray Robinson for the most wins in the history of the Golden Gloves. Breland is notably the only amateur boxer to have ever been featured on the cover of Ring magazine, and the only amateur whose picture hangs in Colorado Springs U.S. Olympic Training Center.[ as of? ] The Smithsonian Museum for African American History and Culture in Washington, DC displays an honorary picture of Mark Breland & his coveted 1984 Olympic team in recognition of their achievements.[ as of? ]

At age 18 in 1981 Breland was already being offered huge sums up to $300,000 by boxing promoters to sign a professional contract. Still, he turned them down, partly in anticipation of participating in the 1984 Olympics (and the exposure the Games would bring), and in part scorn: "It's not 'cause I need the money. It's 'cause they need the money. Hey, I can get hurt." Breland always sought to take the fight game on his terms; even then he planned to leave the ring before turning 30. [2]

Breland compiled an impressive amateur ring record of 110–1 (with 73 knockouts). [3] His single loss, to Darryl Anthony[ citation needed ] was even by a 3rd round TKO over Anthony as a professional in a scheduled 10 round bout.[ citation needed ] Plus one unaccounted loss by medical disqualification, [4] due to withdrawal because of toxic poisoning, which caused Breland to spend most of the fight week in a New York hospital. [5]

Breland won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, was awarded the 1982 Boxer of the Year by USAABF, [5] and rated #1 amateur welterweight in the world by AIBA in 1984. [6]

Breland was so exceptional as an amateur that he had been having trouble getting sparring partners in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Boxing Association Gym. Fighters were known to delay their trip to the coveted NYC Daily News Golden Gloves during Mark Breland’s five year consecutive reign in order to avoid facing him. In June 1984, when he was preparing himself for the forthcoming National Olympic Trials, he went to Grossinger, New York, to train with the Kronks, there he sparred with WBC Super Welterweight champion Thomas Hearns, who in turn was preparing to fight Roberto Durán. At that time Breland was being trained by Emanuel Steward. [7] At that time he narrowly escaped bigger troubles, falling under destructive influence of his teammate Ricky Womack, who happened to be an authoritative figure for Breland, eventually was sentenced and jailed. [8]

Professional career

Breland turned professional in 1984. In 1987 he won the vacant WBA welterweight title by defeating Harold Volbrecht by TKO in the seventh round. He lost it in his first defense to Marlon Starling. In 1989 Breland again won the vacant WBA welterweight title by defeating another contender, Seung Soon Lee, by first round knockout on 4 February, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada. [9] He made four successful title defenses (most notably, one against Lloyd Honeyghan) before losing it to Aaron Davis in a back-and-forth 9-round contest that was nearly called off twice because of injuries to Davis' eye before Breland was knocked out in round 9.

Breland retired in 1997 with a professional record of 35–3–1 (25 KOs). His losses were to Jorge Vaca, Aaron Davis, and Marlon Starling, with whom he also earned his only draw.

Boxing Trainer

Breland has served as a boxing trainer, having had Vernon Forrest and former WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder among other notable clients. [10] In recent years, he has been an assistant trainer for Jermall Charlo.

Amateur highlights

Professional boxing record

39 fights35 wins3 losses
By knockout253
By decision100
Draws1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
39Win35–3–1Rick HaynesUD10Mar 21, 1997Riverfront Sports Arena, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
38Win34–3–1Bobby ButtersTKO2 (10), 1:49Jan 10, 1997 Riverfront Sports Arena, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
37Win33–3–1Darryl LattimoreUD10Jun 7, 1996Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
36Win32–3–1 Buck Smith KO3 (10), 0:25May 19, 1996 The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
35Win31–3–1Ricardo SmithTKO3 (10), 0:30Jan 27, 1996 Schwartz Athletic Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
34Loss30–3–1 Jorge Vaca TKO6 (10), 1:37Sep 13, 1991 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.
33Win30–2–1Julian SamahaTKO1 (10), 0:44Jul 12, 1991Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
32Win29–2–1Henry Anaya Jr.UD10Jun 10, 1991Meadowlands Convention Center, Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.
31Win28–2–1Ariel CondeKO1 (10), 0:23Apr 9, 1991The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
30Loss27–2–1 Aaron Davis KO9 (12), 2:56Jul 8, 1990 Harrah's, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBA welterweight title
29Win27–1–1 Lloyd Honeyghan TKO3 (12)Mar 3, 1990 Wembley Arena, London, England, U.K.Retained WBA welterweight title
28Win26–1–1Fujio OzakiTKO4 (12), 0:34Dec 10, 1989 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, JapanRetained WBA welterweight title
27Win25–1–1Mauro MartelliTKO2 (12), 1:15Oct 13, 1989 Patinoire des Vernets, Geneva, SwitzerlandRetained WBA welterweight title
26Win24–1–1 Rafael Pineda TKO5 (12), 1:14Apr 22, 1989 Trump Castle, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Retained WBA welterweight title
25Win23–1–1Seung-Soon LeeTKO1 (12), 0:54Feb 4, 1989 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBA welterweight title
24Win22–1–1Ozzie O'NealKO1 (10), 1:46Oct 7, 1988 The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
23Win21–1–1Pablo BaezKO1 (10), 1:43Aug 11, 1988DiVinci Manor, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
22Draw20–1–1 Marlon Starling SD12Apr 16, 1988 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.For WBA welterweight title
21Win20–1Juan Alonso VillaTKO3 (10), 2:03Feb 5, 1988Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
20Win19–1Javier SuazoUD10 Dec 5, 1987 Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
19Loss18–1 Marlon Starling TKO11 (15), 1:38Aug 22, 1987Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. Lost WBA welterweight title
18Win18–0Juan Bautista RondonUD10Jul 10, 1987Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy
17Win17–0Harold VolbrechtTKO7 (15), 2:07Feb 6, 1987 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Won vacant WBA welterweight title
16Win16–0Orlando OrozcoTKO2 (10), 1:46Nov 13, 1986Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
15Win15–0Ralph TwinningKO1 (10), 2:08Oct 15, 1986 Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
14Win14–0Reggie MillerKO2 (10), 1:41Sep 14, 1986 Harrah's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
13Win13–0John MundugaTKO6 (10), 2:18Jun 21, 1986 The Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
12Win12–0Ricky AvendanoKO1 (10), 1:06May 15, 1986Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
11Win11–0Darryl AnthonyTKO3 (10), 2:14Apr 12, 1986Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey, U.S.
10Win10–0Richard AguirreKO1 (10), 1:33Mar 2, 1986Lancaster Host Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9Win9–0Troy WorthamUD10Jan 25, 1986Lancaster Host Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8Win8–0Hedgemon RobertsonUD8Dec 21, 1985Pavilion Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
7Win7–0Donald GwinnKO2 (8), 1:32Oct 18, 1985 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
6Win6–0Don ShiverTKO1 (8), 2:18Jul 20, 1985 Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
5Win5–0Dario DeJesusKO2 (6), 2:49Jun 19, 1985 Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey, U.S.
4Win4–0Vince DunfeeKO2 (6), 2:13May 17, 1985 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
3Win3–0 Steve Little UD6Apr 6, 1985 Coliseum, San Angelo, Texas, U.S.
2Win2–0Marlon PalmerUD6Jan 5, 1985 Harrah's Marina, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
1Win1–0Dwight WilliamsUD6Nov 15, 1984 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 ABC Sports tale of the tape prior to the Aaron Davis fight.
  2. 1 2 Norman, Michael (December 13, 1981). "Golden Boys Of The Ghetto". The New York Times. p. 55. Retrieved 2019-06-16.
  3. ↑ Boxers Chase Olympic Berth, by Ed Schuyler Jr. AP Sports Writer, Wilson Daily Times, July 6, 1984, p. 11.
  4. ↑ Boxing, U.S. Amateur (UPI,) European Stars And Stripes, December 14, 1982, p. 25.
  5. 1 2 Essett advances to USABC finals by David Knight, The Indianapolis Star, December 17, 1982, p. 68.
  6. ↑ Boxing Ratings, UPI, February 27, 1984.
  7. ↑ 1984 Olympic Boxing Trials in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted by Howard Cosell.
  8. ↑ Becoming Holyfield: A Fighter's Journey, 2008, pp. 41-42.
  9. ↑ https://boxrec.com/en/event/1371
  10. ↑ Kim, Steve. "Deontay Wilder parts ways with co-trainer Mark Breland". ESPN.COM. Disney Advanced Media. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Darryl Robinson		 U.S. welterweight champion
1982–1983		Next:
Darryl Lattimore
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Lloyd Honeyghan 		WBA welterweight champion
February 6, 1987 – August 22, 1987		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Tomás Molinares 		WBA welterweight champion
February 4, 1989 – July 8, 1990		Succeeded by
Awards
Previous:
Kenny Baysmore 		The Ring Prospect of the Year
1984		Next:
Mike Tyson
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