41 years ago

Date: 4th February 1984

Venue: Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino, Atlantic City

Title: WBA & IBF World Welterweight Titles

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: ABC Sports

Donald Curry
( 17 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 147 lbs

Marlon Starling
( 31 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 146 lbs

On Saturday, February 4, 1984, Donald Curry defended his WBA World Welterweight title for the second time against Marlon Starling at Bally's Park Place Hotel Casino in Atlantic City. The fight was also for the newly formed IBF Welterweight Title, which Curry was defending for the first time. The fight was promoted by Top Rank and aired on ABC Sports.

Curry, who was 21 years old at the time and had an undefeated record of 17-0 (12 KOs), faced a tough challenge from the 23-year-old Starling, who had a perfect record of 25-0. Starling, who was ranked #2 by the WBA, was known for his strong inside game, while Curry had a superior jab and preferred to keep his opponent at a distance.

In the early rounds, Curry's strategy of staying on the outside paid off as he landed several jabs and straight rights to Starling's head. Starling, on the other hand, tried to work his way inside, but Curry used his footwork to keep him at bay.

As the fight progressed, Starling started to find success with his right uppercut, landing it several times on Curry's chin. However, Curry remained composed and continued to use his jab effectively, keeping Starling at a distance.

In the sixth round, Curry landed a sharp right to Starling's head, knocking him back and gaining the respect of the challenger. Despite Starling winning some of the middle rounds, Curry finished strong and in the 15th round, Starling was in danger of being knocked down for the first time in his pro career.

At the end of 15 rounds, the judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Curry, with scores of 145-141, 145-141, and 144-142. Referee Stanley Christodoulou had a relatively easy night, as both fighters fought cleanly and followed the rules.

Curry's purse for the fight was $250,000, while Starling earned $100,000. The win cemented Curry's position as one of the best welterweights in the world and set the stage for future championship fights.