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84 Gold
by Brian Adams (May 31, 2006)

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There are certain names in boxing that true fans can never ignore, whatever the reasons are. Two particular individuals who once laced up the gloves and thrilled fans throughout the world both on the amateur and professional level were Mark Breland and Pernell Whitaker.

Breland was not only the most feared amateur of his time, he was arguably the greatest amateur America produced. Whitaker, pound for pound, is the greatest boxer I ever saw, even though he was always considered a small guy who didn't have the punch to keep physically strong guys off him. And actually, from day one, no one believed that he would evolve into the master boxer he was.

Both boxers would begin their historic careers by capturing gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

If you followed boxing in the early 80's, and especially if you lived on the east coast, Mark Breland was boxing. You had to know the name and the world actually got to know the person. He was the first young man to capture five Golden Gloves titles (at a time when it was hard as hell to win in the NYC Golden Gloves). He was a 3x amateur world champion and he had a jab that all opponents said felt like a right hand. Speaking of right hands, when Mark threw his and connected on the chin, he would just turn around and walk to the neutral corner before his opponent hit the canvas. Those abilities, and his quiet grace, led him not only to success in the ring, but also to receive a lead role in the film "Lords of Discipline".

With the recognition and success Mark achieved in the amateur ranks, he remained humble, hungry and a likeable human being, and the vision of his immediate goal of winning a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics was never lost. He would compile an amateur record of 133-1, and he would be "the man" on a team that contained the likes of Meldrick Taylor, Virgil Hill, Evander Holyfield, Tyrell Biggs and Pernell Whitaker.

Whitaker, although he went into the Olympic games as the current lightweight world amateur champ, was somewhat overlooked because of Breland and the 17 yr old speedster, Taylor. Yet Pernell did his usual thing of quietly dominating the competition en route to a gold medal without getting hit.

Throughout Whitaker's professional career, which consisted of six world titles in four different weight classes, the critics repeatedly said that he wasn't strong enough nor did he have the punch to succeed, but the only thing wrong with that is that the critics didn't have to get into the ring with him.

I look up the definition of the sweet science and it clearly says: The art of combat. To engage without engaging. Display of artistry.

And next to the definition is a picture of a madman swinging wildly at Pernell and hitting nothing but air. If you haven't competed on a high level then you may never understand how difficult it is to stand in front of another trained professional and make him miss round after round. That to me clearly shows heart, smarts, determination and guts. So a boxer like that should be embraced forever.

Breland and Whitaker both loved the competition, and they both got a rush out of destroying their opponents. Mark destroyed guys physically whenever he landed the right hand clean, while Pernell would destroy his opponents mentally when he frustrated the hell out of them.

The two would develop a close bond that is still air tight today. I had the opportunity and privilege to experience their friendship and it is indeed special. They would help one another prepare both mentally and physically for their respective bouts when it came time to battle. And interestingly enough, both are currently training fighters and passing that championship knowledge along to the next generation of future greats.

Mark is still a legend here in NY, and each time he walks into a gym, he receives unbelievable respect and love. He is a fixture in the local gyms around the city and advises any young boxer he can.

Pernell is a legend everytime he shows up at professional boxing matches. He attends Main Events’ (his former promoter) boxing cards when he is able to and it brings nothing but determination to the young men on the card. They want to perform well and look good because Pernell Whitaker is watching. He recently developed the patience to teach a few young men in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia, and since Pernell did things in the ring that were so special, he demands the same thing out of the guys he is training in the gym.

When Mark Breland and Pernell Whitaker’s names are due up on the hall of fame ballot, they are sure to be inducted without any protests. Some people claimed that Mark's professional career was a bust, yet he won two world titles (I guess those people didn't realize that). Pernell was supposed to be too small and have no punch, but yet I recall the mighty Julio Cesar Chavez say after their encounter that Whitaker was a little too strong and big for him. Go figure right?

Despite their similarities, Mark and Pernell have bright futures as teachers in this sport. They are both intelligent boxing people and nice guys who don't mind helping out. And yes, they were both on the amateur team that may be the best American Olympic team ever (although I personally like my graduating class of 96), and they both have that other common denominator in the 84 Gold.

Side note: I know time allows people to forget certain things, but let's not forget about the fallen champions. Please still support the Gerald McClellan fund and the Leavander Johnson fund. We all should continue to support them since they thrilled fans, the media and the networks night in and night out inside that ring.