Iran Barkley American professional boxer Date of Birth: 05.05.1960 Country: USA

1. Biography of Iran Barkley
2. Early Career
3. Becoming a Champion
4. Continued Success
5. Light Heavyweight Champion
6. Later Career and Retirement

Biography of Iran Barkley

Iran Barkley, an American professional boxer, competed in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He was known as one of the top boxers of the 1980s and 1990s.

Early Career

Barkley made his professional debut in December 1982 but suffered three losses early in his career. In October 1987, he fought for the vacant WBA middleweight title against Shumbu Kalambay but lost by decision.

Becoming a Champion

In June 1988, Barkley unexpectedly knocked out Thomas Hearns, the famous WBC middleweight champion, in the third round. This fight was named the "upset of the year" by Ring Magazine. In February 1989, Barkley defended his title against Roberto Duran, who had previously been knocked out by Hearns. Despite not being favored to win, Duran engaged in an open fight and won by split decision. This bout was named the "fight of the year" by Ring Magazine.

Continued Success

In August 1989, Barkley faced the undefeated IBF middleweight champion Michael Nunn and lost by majority decision. In August 1990, Barkley challenged Nigel Benn, the WBO middleweight champion, and was knocked out in the first round. Barkley then moved up to the super middleweight division.

Light Heavyweight Champion

In January 1991, Barkley knocked out IBF super middleweight champion Darren Van Horn. He then moved up to the light heavyweight division. In March 1992, Barkley faced Thomas Hearns again, who was now the WBA light heavyweight champion. Barkley won by split decision and subsequently returned to the super middleweight division. In February 1993, Barkley fought undefeated James Toney and was beaten. His corner refused to continue the fight between the 10th and 11th rounds. Barkley once again moved up to the light heavyweight division.

Later Career and Retirement

In October 1994, Barkley lost to undefeated IBF light heavyweight champion Henry Maske in Germany. In the mid-1990s, Barkley competed in the cruiserweight division and eventually moved up to the heavyweight division. In June 1997, he managed to knock out former heavyweight champion Gerry Cooney. However, in June 1999, Barkley lost to former heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick. He suffered six consecutive losses towards the end of his career and retired from boxing after his last defeat in July 1999.