Michael Nunn vs Marlon Starling

On April 14, 1990, at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Michael Nunn successfully defended his IBF World Middleweight Title for the fourth time against former two-time welterweight champion Marlon Starling. The bout was promoted by Al Goosen Promotions, Mirage Hotel & Casino, and Cedric Kushner Productions, and aired on HBO World Championship Boxing. The match ended in a majority decision in favor of Nunn, with judges Glen Hamada scoring 118-110, Art Lurie 117-111, and Gary Merritt 114-114. Referee Mills Lane officiated the contest.

Entering the fight, Nunn weighed 160 pounds while Starling weighed 158 pounds. Nunn boasted an impressive record of 34 wins and no losses, with 23 victories by knockout. Starling, on the other hand, entered the ring with a record of 45 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Prior to the match, Nunn sought to overcome a reputation for inaction, as his elusive and quick-handed style had been criticized for producing boring fights.

The fight itself proved to be a tactical affair, with both boxers landing more punches on each other's gloves than on their bodies. The defensive nature of the bout led to a lack of excitement, causing the crowd to boo the inaction and the eventual decision. Nevertheless, Nunn managed to outpoint Starling and secure the victory.

Nunn's preparation for the fight had been hindered by his split from Ten Goose Boxing, which raised questions about whether this would give Starling an edge in the bout. However, the impact of this split on the outcome remains unclear, as Nunn ultimately emerged victorious.

Despite both fighters' impressive records and skills, the match between Michael Nunn and Marlon Starling did not deliver the excitement that many had hoped for. The tactical nature of the bout and the lack of action led to a less than thrilling contest.