Before the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Serik Konakbaev prepared only for Mark Breland. But world politics changed everything and the former USSR didn’t participate in the Olympic Games. Serik Konakbaev retired from boxing and moved into politics. They never met again.

After winning the Olympic Gold in the 1984 in Los Angeles, Mark Breland turned pro with an impressive amateur record. He’d won 111 fights with only one loss (Darryl Anthony, whom Mark later beat with a third round TKO as a pro).

In 1987 Mark Breland became the WBA Welterweight World Champion.

Finally, Serik and his wife Sholpan came to New York City. I invited them to visit me at my gym and meet my Team. What they didn’t know is that I had arranged for Mark Breland to meet us there and surprise Serik.

The first time I met Mark Breland (1999) he told me that the fight against Serik Konakbaev was the highlight of his amateur careerThe first time I met Mark Breland (1999) he told me that the fight against Serik Konakbaev was the highlight of his amateur career