How a Bronx street gang member rose to three world boxing titles
In short: Before he was a multi-division world champion, Iran Barkley was a member of the Black Spades street gang. From the Patterson Houses to the pinnacle of professional boxing, his journey through the ring involved incredible upsets, intense wars, and a legacy that extends into the NFL.
Born on May 6, 1960, Iran Barkley's ascent in the boxing ring was influenced by his sister, Yvonne, a professional boxer who encouraged him to start training at age 13. After a successful amateur career—highlighted by a bronze medal at the 1982 World Championships in Munich—Barkley turned professional in December 1982. He became known as "The Blade," a moniker reflecting his skill and tenacity in the ring. His early training was overseen by coaches Bobby Miles and Connie Bryant. He first competed in the New York Golden Gloves in 1981.
Barkley's professional career was marked by significant achievements across multiple weight classes. He claimed the WBC middleweight championship in 1988 by knocking out Thomas Hearns during the third round, an upset The Ring magazine named the year's biggest. He later expanded his championship repertoire, winning the IBF super middleweight title in January 1992 and the WBA light heavyweight title just two months later via a twelve-round split decision. He also secured the IBF super middleweight title by defeating Darrin Van Horn. Additionally, he captured the WBA light heavyweight belt through a split decision.
His career was not without intense struggle. In 1989, he participated in a fight against Roberto Durán that was proclaimed Fight of the Year by Ring magazine. Even after his professional retirement in 1999, Barkley's athletic lineage continued through his great-nephew, NFL running back Saquon Barkley. While Barkley faced periods of homelessness in 2010, he has since found stability through nonprofit support and continues to engage with the boxing community in New York City. His final notable victory occurred in 1997 when he retired Gerrie Coetzee. He is also a distinguished member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Iran Barkley
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