by James Slater: Whilst scanning website BoxRec.com, this writer had to do a huge double take earlier today. The reason? What is listed to be taking place in Idaho on February 23rd. No other legendary fighter than the warrior that was Iran “The Blade” Barkley is apparently set to return to the ring against a TBA. Can this be true? If it is, many questions spring immediately to mind – the most relevant one being, how on earth did Barkley manage to get a license? It is common knowledge that Barkley, now aged 47, has diminished eyesight due to the number of ferocious battles he engaged in in the ring..
Many fans will no doubt recollect the recent and numerous whispers that clamed Barkley was interested in fighting again, but can Iran have possibly got his wish now? According to BoxRec, Barkley’s fight will take place on a card that will be promoted by Chauncy Welliver, and will be approved by the Idaho state athletic commission. Surely, if an Iran Barkley fight takes place in 2008 it will be one of the biggest shocks of the year!
But the craziness doesn’t stop there. Also listed for the February 23rd card is a fight featuring Saoul Mamby. That’s right, the Saoul Mamby who is now SIXTY years of age! Surely, this must be either some kind of joke or a big mistake on the part of BoxRec? Mamby has not fought since 2000, and he has not won a fight since 1998. Come to think of it, Iran Barkley hasn’t won a fight since 1998, either.
Can a card featuring these two once great, but now broken down, warriors really be happening as soon as 10 days from now? For all those who care about the sport of boxing and Iran Barkley and Saoul Mamby’s health, let’s hope not. Sure, any human being has the right to pursue whatever it is that makes them happy and feeling content in life – but is this not going way too far?
Again, surely there is simply a mistake afoot. For what it’s worth, Barkley’s record currently stands at 43-19-1(27). Mamby’s reads 45-33-6(19).