[Crimson]

Friday, December 4^th 1992
Stade Louis II; Monte Carlo, Monaco
Michele Mastodonato 17-2 (9) Italy
vs. (8 Rounds)
Mark Breland 30-3-1 (22) New York (post-prime)

- This was Mark Breland’s first fight since his upset TKO loss against Jorge Vaca 14 months ago. Mastrodonato was on a 9 fight winning streak and little was known about the Italian who held the ITA title. Mastrodonato was hoping a win would vault him into an all Italy Jr. Middle Weight Championship match with Gianfranco Rosi, should Rosi defeat Terry Norris.
- Mastrodonato proved to be a very difficult first fight back for Breland and after 5 of the scheduled 8 rounds had been completed, Ringside Expert Markus Heinsohn had Breland losing by 3 points, 46-49. Punches landed favored Mastrodonato 144-86.
- Knowing that his fighter was probably behind on the judges cards, Breland’s trainer Joey Fariello implored him to let his punches go. Breland did just that when a crackling uppercut caught Mastrodonato flush and placed him on the canvas! The Italian lurched to his feet quickly at 3, but was soon back on the floor.
- Breland kept his foot on the gas pedal during the fight’s final two rounds. With 2:02 remaining in the fight the Italian dug a hook into Breland’s ribcage that floored the New York fighter for the full 10 count!!!
Michele Mastrodonato KO8 Mark Breland

[A back and forth fight ending in a dramatic KO and significant upset to get the show started!]