Lloyd Honeyghan vs Marlon Starling

On February 4, 1989, at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, Marlon Starling decisively defeated Lloyd Honeyghan to capture the WBC World Welterweight Title. In a display of boxing mastery, Starling landed 202 of 533 punches, while Honeyghan managed only 107 from 697 attempts on target. The bout was marked by Honeyghan's struggle to be effective and overshadowed by Starling's efficient and controlled performance.

Honeyghan also faced repercussions after testing positive for lidocaine, a painkilling drug, resulting in a $1,500 fine.
The ninth round proved pivotal as Honeyghan, visibly exhausted, succumbed to a right hand from Starling, leading to a knockdown.

Although Honeyghan briefly recovered, Starling continued his assault, prompting referee Mills Lane to intervene and stop the fight to prevent further damage to Honeyghan.

Starling, elated with the victory, declared post-fight, "There can only be one boss in there. I am the boss, and this is my house," asserting his dominance in the division.

The event also featured Mark Breland, who fought Seung Soon Lee for the vacant WBA welterweight title on the same card. Starling and Breland had met twice previously, with Starling winning the first meeting by 11th-round technical knockout and the second ending in a disputed split decision draw.

This was the end of Honeyghan's second reign as WBC world welterweight champion, having won the title the first time around against Don Curry and losing and regaining it from Mexican Jorge Vaca.