Almost 40 years ago (December of 1982), Bronx warrior Iran Barkley went pro. A tough, relentless and courageous fighter, Barkley would go on to thrill millions with his epic fights against the likes of Thomas Hearns (twice) Roberto Duran, Nigel Benn, Michael Olajide, and Michael Nunn.
It was 33 years ago this month when Iran “The Blade” Barkley won the middleweight title by way of a stunning KO of Thomas Hearns.
Exclusive interview by James Slater: Iran Barkley never fought Marvin Hagler, but “The Blade” sure wanted to. In fact, Barkley, who gave us memorable wars with Hagler foes Thomas Hearns (twice) and Roberto Duran, wanted to fight anyone who was anyone back in the 1980s and ’90s.
As fight fans almost certainly read, Bronx warrior Iran Barkley was recently hospitalized with Covid-19, the 60-year-old legend (yes, he deserves the accolade) reported to be in a stable condition.
On this day back in 1993, former IBF middleweight champ James Toney made his 168-pound world title debut. Having finally said no more to the efforts and debilitation of making 160 pounds, “Lights Out” had made his move up a division.
As was the case with his former ring rival Roberto Duran, Iran Barkley is battling the coronavirus. Various reports say “The Blade” is currently in hospital, yet the 60-year-old said to Michael Woods of Bad Left Hook that he is doing pretty good and he expects to be released from the hospital soon.
30 years ago, Britain’s Nigel Benn scored one of his most thrillingly quick wins at world level. Benn, making the first defence of his newly won WBO middleweight title, met the seasoned, tough and dangerous Iran Barkley.
One of the most consistently thrilling middleweight/super-middleweights of the 1980s and ’90s, Iran Barkley had some amazing roller-coaster of a career.
Throughout boxing history we have seen a great middleweight go up in weight and, in a dare to be even greater, challenge a heavyweight champion.
Thomas Hearns had the fight won; all he had to do was stick and move and be content to further batter his rival’s ruined face and await the timely intervention of the referee.