Interview with Former world champion Mark Breland

Ike Enwereuzor of Jacboxing.com

13.11.01 - Two-time world champion Mark Breland (Photo: Dr.Atlas Foundation) began his professional boxing career on November 15, 1984 after winning a Gold medal at 1984 Olympic Games. He made a succesful pro debut by scoring a six round decision over Dwight Williams in New York. Breland, captured the WBA welterweight on Febuary 6, 1987 dismantling Harold Volbrecht in the seventh. On August 22, 1987, Breland lost the WBA welterweight title to Marion Starling by 11th round stoppage. In their rematch April 16, 1988, ended in draw. Breland regained the WBA welterweight title on Febuary 4, 1989 against Seung-Soon Lee with a first round knockout. He retained his WBA belt four times before lossing it to Aaron Davis by 9th stoppage.

The former world champion finally retired after his last fight March 21, 1997 against Rick Haynes. Here's what the ex-champ had to say.....

How are you doing these days?
Everything is ok. I'm training a couple of fighters now.

When did you start your amateur career and what do you remember about it?
I started amateurs in 1978. The first guy I fought, in fact, I ran into him later after that fight. Men, Ike ,I was scared to dealth. I use to box in the gym but I was so scared at the fight. I was so nervous like I never been in my entire life.

What titles did you win at amateurs?
I was a five-time Golden Gloves champion from 1980-84, which was a record. In fact, I broke the record. I had 21 fights with 19KO's and 14 of them were first round KO's. I won some sports festival tournament then, won jr olympics and a Gold at World amateur championship in Germany.

What was your amateur record ?
(110-1)

Why did you decide to Box?
I always enjoyed it. I guess it was kind of natural. I alway wanted to play football but I guess I was too small for that so I went into boxing. A man called "Goat" Ellijah Best took me to train me outside, at that time I use to live at Tompkins Projects in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Best then introduced me to George Washington who now began to train me in the gym.

Your most memorable moment at amateurs?
I would say fighting the Golden Gloves the first time. I watched Ali-Frazier at the Garden. It was a big thing then to fight in the Garden, so my dream was to fight at the Madison Square Garden one day. At the finals of the first Golden Gloves competition I was 16 years old, at final you start to get the spotlight. At the finals they turn on the light, I looked up and said wow! I'm finally here. That was a trail for me.

I saw you at the Twin Towers Fundraising exhibition . You look like you're still in shape. Why did you decide to retire?
Ike, I had enough and I had to retire. It wasn't in me any more to fight. I just don't have the drive to do it. For years some fighters stay too long in the game and get hurt. I don't wish to go down like that. If you have to do it because you want to please the people then you got a long way to go. Some people tell me I can still do it, but who gets hit? Me not them! If you're in doing it because people want you to I think you got a long list because people will always want more from you. Nobody will take the punches but me.

Your favorite fighters today?
Who do I like today? I think one of the seasoned fighter will be Floyd Mayweather, I like Shane Mosley too. He's a pretty good fighter. Boxing today is a little different today. Fighters today, have more, they see more than before. Things are more open today than before but you still need they right people behind you, someone who understands the game and knows what they are doing.

What fight would you really like to see happen in future?
If they didn't do it yet I would say Tszyu-Judah.

Your thoughts on the Tszyu-Judah fight?
Inexperienced (Judah) and they moved too quick for that fight. The other guy(Tszyu) was more seasoned though he's a one dementional fighter, he's been a long way with that style. He perfected that style one dementional and it's European style of fighting. If Pernell Whitaker was in shape, Felix Trinidad couldn't touch him. Pernell is too crafty, very smart fighter and hard to hit. Zab Judah has a little of this style but in other for him to win he needed to fight like he did in first round fighting close and side-to-side.

Your prediction for the Rahman-Lewis II?
I can see Lennox Lewis beating Hasim Rahman this time. Lewis underestimated Rahman the first time so I think Lewis will be more careful this time. In the other hand rahman knows Lewis doesn't have the greatest chin so he'll come to fight. Lewis was beating Rahman easily before he got carefless.

Any words to your fans?
I just to tell them that I had a great career and I thank them for their supports. I have no regrets and I enjoyed the Boxing Game.

Thank you for your time.
You're welcome, anytime. Ike