Mark Breland was a highly celebrated amateur boxer in the welterweight division….who had 79 KO’s during his amateur career while compiling an impressive amateur record of 110–1….with highlights in which he was a five time New York Golden Gloves welterweight champion (`980 – 1984)….US amateur welterweight champion (1982 & 1983)….winner of the Gold Medal (welterweight) at the World Championships in Munich, West Germany in 1983…..who turned pro after winning the 1984 Olympic gold medal in the welterweight divisions.
In 1987, Breland won the vacant WBA welterweight title….which he lost in his first defense to Marlon Starling. In 1989, Breland again won the vacant WBA welterweight title….then 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 (25 KOs).
This 10 round welterweight fight with Troy Wortham took place on January 25, 1986 in Lancaster, PA….as Wortham was an up-and-coming welterweight boxer…..who began his professional career at age 17 years old….and was had a record of 24 – 0 coming into this fight….which went the distance in an outstanding bout.
