Iran Barkley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iran Barkley |
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Barkley in 2011
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| Statistics | ||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | The Blade | |||||||||||||
| Rated at |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in | |||||||||||||
| Reach | 74 in | |||||||||||||
| Born | May 6, 1960 New York City, U.S. |
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| Stance | Orthodox | |||||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 63 | |||||||||||||
| Wins | 43 | |||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 27 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | 19 | |||||||||||||
| Draws | 1 | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Iran Barkley (born May 6, 1960) is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 1982 to 1999. He won world championships in three different weight classes. These included the WBC middleweight title (1988–1989). He also held the IBF super middleweight title (1992–1993). In 1992, he won the WBA light heavyweight title. As an amateur, Barkley earned a bronze medal. This was in the middleweight division at the 1982 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Iran Barkley was the youngest of eight children. He grew up in the Patterson Houses in New York City. His parents were Frank Barkley, Sr. and Georgia Barkley. When he was 13, his sister Yvonne convinced him to start boxing. She was also a professional boxer in the late 1970s. He trained under Bobby Miles and Connie Bryant.
Iran Barkley is the great-uncle of NFL running back Saquon Barkley.
Amateur Boxing Achievements
Before turning professional, Iran Barkley had a successful amateur career. He won several medals in important boxing events.
- 1981 – He won a Silver Medal at the New York Golden Gloves.
- 1981 – He earned a Gold Medal at the Empire State Games.
- 1982 – He received a Bronze Medal at the Copenhagen Box Cup in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- 1982 – He won a Bronze Medal at the World Championships in Munich, West Germany.
Professional Boxing Career
Known as "The Blade," Barkley started his professional career in December 1982. His first chance at a world title was against Sumbu Kalambay in 1987. He lost this fight for the vacant WBA middleweight title.
In 1988, Barkley had a great year. He won the WBC middleweight title. He knocked out Thomas Hearns in the third round. This win was named the "Upset of the Year" by The Ring magazine.
His next fight was a tough one against Roberto Durán in 1989. Barkley lost his title in a very close fight. This match was called the "Fight of the Year" by Ring magazine. After this, Barkley fought Michael Nunn for the IBF middleweight title. He lost that fight by a close decision. He also fought Nigel Benn for the WBO middleweight title. Barkley was stopped in the first round of that fight.
After losing to Benn, Barkley had eye surgery. He then returned to boxing in 1991. In January 1992, he won the IBF super middleweight title. He defeated Darrin Van Horn in just two rounds. Two months later, he beat Thomas Hearns again. This win earned him the WBA light heavyweight title. Barkley later gave up this title. He chose to defend his super middleweight title against James Toney. Barkley lost his IBF title in that fight.
Barkley's last chance at a major title was in 1994. He fought Henry Maske for the IBF light heavyweight title in Germany. Barkley lost this fight after nine rounds.
He continued to box, even moving up to the heavyweight division. In June 1997, he won the WBB heavyweight title. He defeated former WBA heavyweight champion Gerrie Coetzee. Barkley officially retired from boxing in 1999.
Comeback Fights
In 2006, at 46 years old, Barkley won a fight in Aruba. In 2008, at age 48, he had an exhibition match. He fought Chauncy Welliver to a draw in Idaho.
Life After Boxing
Iran Barkley has faced some challenges since retiring from boxing. He went through a difficult period. However, with help from organizations like BronxWorks and the Ring 10 boxing charity, he found a home and support.
Barkley lives in the Morrisania area of the South Bronx. He enjoys teaching boxing skills to young amateur boxers. He is often seen at boxing matches in New York City.
His great-nephew, Saquon Barkley, is a famous NFL running back. Saquon was a top pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after the 2024 NFL season.
Professional Boxing Record Summary
Iran Barkley had a long professional career.
- Total Fights: 63
- Wins: 43 (27 by knockout)
- Losses: 19
- Draws: 1
Boxing Titles Won
Major World Titles
- WBC Middleweight Champion (160 lbs)
- IBF Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)
- WBA Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
Regional Titles
- WBC Continental Americas middleweight champion (160 lbs) – He won this title twice.
Honors and Awards
Iran Barkley is a respected figure in boxing. He is a member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.
See also
- List of boxing triple champions
- List of WBC world champions
- List of IBF super world champions
- List of WBA world champions
