Mark Anthony Breland is an American retired world championboxer who won five New York Golden Gloves titles and a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, was awarded the 1982 Boxer of the Year by USAABF, and rated #1 amateur welterweight in the world by AIBA in 1984. 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." At 6' and two and a half inches tall, Breland is one of the tallest World Welterweight champions of all time.
Amateur career
Breland, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, began fighting when he was 9 years old, taking on challengers in the lobby and hallways of the housing project which happened to be his home. At 13, he entered the gym and embraced boxing as a way of life. He is a five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion, his record in this competition was 21–0, with 14 knockouts coming in the 1st round. Breland made an acting appearance in the movie The Lords of Discipline. Breland was so exceptional, that he has been having trouble getting sparring partners in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Boxing Association Gym. 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 the WBC Super Welterweight Champion Thomas Hearns, who in turn was preparing to fight Roberto Durán. At that time Breland has been trained by Emanuel Steward. 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.
1/2: Defeated Luciano Bruno by unanimous decision, 5–0
Finals: Defeated Yong-Su Ahn by unanimous decision, 5–0
Already in 1981, age 18, professional boxing promoters and managers have offered him huge sums up to $300,000 to sign a professional contract. But Breland has turned down these offers, partly by anticipating the 1984 Olympics, and in part because due to the promoters' neglect: "It's not 'cause I need the money. It's 'cause they need the money. Hey, I can get hurt." Planning his professional career, he planned to leave the ring before he's 30. Breland compiled an impressive amateur record of 110–1
Professional career
Breland turned professional in 1984. In 1987, Breland won the vacant WBA welterweight title. He lost it in his first defense to Marlon Starling. In 1989, Breland again won the vacant WBA Welterweight Title. He made three successful title defenses 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. In 1997, Breland retired with a professional record of 35–3–1. Breland is currently a boxing trainer, having trained Vernon Forrest and former WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder among other notable boxers.
