38 years ago
Mark Breland vs Harold Volbrecht
Date: 6th February 1987
Venue: Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City, New JerseyTitle: vacant WBA World Welterweight Title
Promoter: Main Events
Referee: Tony Perez
Tv: Showtime
Mark Breland
(
16
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 146 lbs
Harold Volbrecht
(
39
-
4
-
2
)
Weight: 146½ lbs
On February 6, 1987, Mark Breland and Harold Volbrecht clashed for the vacant WBA World Welterweight Title at the Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The bout, promoted by Main Events and televised on Showtime, marked Breland's first attempt at a world title, while Volbrecht made his second bid for the WBA crown.
Breland, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist, entered the ring with an unblemished professional record of 16-0 with 10 knockouts. At 23 years old, the Brooklyn native quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing the skills that made him one of the most decorated amateurs in U.S. boxing history. The 30-year-old South African veteran Volbrecht brought a wealth of experience with a record of 39-4-2. He had previously challenged for the same title in 1980, suffering a fifth-round knockout loss to the formidable Pipino Cuevas.
The fight began with Breland utilizing his significant physical advantages. Standing at 6'2" with a 77-inch reach, he towered over the 5'9" Volbrecht. Breland's superior speed and agility allowed him to control the distance and pace of the fight from the opening bell. The American's crisp jab and fluid movement kept Volbrecht at bay for much of the early rounds, preventing the South African from mounting any sustained offence.
Volbrecht showed flashes of his experience as the bout progressed, particularly in the middle rounds. The challenger managed to land some effective shots in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds, briefly troubling Breland. However, these moments of success were fleeting, and Breland's dominance in terms of clean punching and ring generalship was evident throughout. The judges' scorecards, while not needed, would have likely reflected a clean sweep for Breland through the completed rounds.
The end came swiftly in the seventh round. Breland, who had been steadily breaking down his opponent, unleashed a devastating combination. Three precision right hands found their mark, sending Volbrecht crashing to the canvas. Referee Tony Perez didn't bother with a count, waving off the fight at the 2:07 mark of the round. Breland's victory was emphatic, showcasing his technical prowess and punching power.
In the aftermath, Breland admitted that Volbrecht had presented less of a challenge than expected for a championship-level bout. This candid assessment spoke to Breland's confidence and the gap in class between the two fighters on the night. The victory marked the beginning of Breland's first reign as WBA welterweight champion, a title he would lose in his next fight but regain two years later.