Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Starling is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 1990. He held the WBA Welterweight title from 1987 to 1988 and the WBC Welterweight title from 1989 to 1990. He got his start with help from coach, Johnny Duke, who helped him train for the national Junior Olympics championship. He turned professional in 1979. After 25 straight wins to start his professional career, he lost his first fight, a 12-round split-decision to Donald Curry in 1982. Starling had a rematch with Curry in 1984, challenging for the WBA and IBF welterweight titles but lost by a 15-round decision. Starling's second world title fight came in 1987. He knocked out Mark Breland in the 11th round to win the WBA welterweight title. He then knocked out Lloyd Honeyghan to win the WBC welterweight titles. Starling retired with a record of 45-6-1-1 (27 KOs).
