Best fights of Iran Barkley
Over 17 years as a professional, Iran Barkley has compiled a 43-19-1 (27) record, including twelve title fights across four weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Iran Barkley KOs Thomas Hearns
On June 6, 1988 Iran Barkley fought Thomas Hearns for the WBC middleweight title. Barkley was 28 years old with a record of 24-4, and Hearns was 29 with a record of 45-2. Barkley was on a 2-fight winning streak and Hearns was on a 5-fight winning streak. Barkley stopped Thomas Hearns via TKO in the 3rd round. Crowned the new middleweight champion.
2. Iran Barkley defeats Thomas Hearns in their 2nd fight
On March 20, 1992 Iran Barkley fought Thomas Hearns for the WBA light heavyweight title. It was their second meeting. Barkley was 31 years old with a record of 28-7, and Hearns was 33 with a record of 50-3-1. Barkley was on a 3-fight winning streak and Hearns was on a 4-fight winning streak. Barkley won via split decision. Crowned the new light heavyweight champion.
3. Iran Barkley loses to Roberto Durán via split decision
On February 24, 1989 Iran Barkley defended his WBC middleweight title against Roberto Durán. Barkley was 28 years old with a record of 25-4, and Durán was 37 with a record of 84-7. Barkley was on a 3-fight winning streak and Durán was on a 5-fight winning streak. Barkley lost via split decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Durán.
4. Iran Barkley loses to James Toney via KO
On February 13, 1993 Iran Barkley defended his IBF super middleweight title against James Toney. Barkley was 32 years old with a record of 30-7, and Toney was 24 with a record of 33-0-2. Barkley was on a 5-fight winning streak and Toney was on an undefeated 5-fight winning streak. Toney stopped Barkley via retirement in the 9th round. Lost the title. Lasted into the 9th round.
5. Iran Barkley KOs Darrin Van Horn
On January 10, 1992 Iran Barkley fought Darrin Van Horn for the vacant IBF super middleweight title. Barkley was 31 years old with a record of 27-7, and Horn was 0 with a record of 0-0. Barkley was on a 2-fight winning streak. Barkley stopped Darrin Van Horn via TKO in the 2nd round. Won the vacant title.
6. Iran Barkley loses to Michael Nunn via majority decision
On August 14, 1989 Iran Barkley fought Michael Nunn for the IBF middleweight title. Barkley was 29 years old with a record of 25-5, and Nunn was 26 with a record of 33-0. Barkley was coming off a loss, while Nunn was on an undefeated 33-fight winning streak. Barkley lost via majority decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Nunn.
7. Iran Barkley KOs Robert Folley
On December 5, 1992 Iran Barkley faced Robert Folley in a light heavyweight bout. Barkley was 32 years old with a record of 29-7, and Folley was 0 with a record of 0-0. Barkley was on a 4-fight winning streak. Barkley stopped Robert Folley via KO in the 4th round.
8. Iran Barkley loses to Sumbu Kalambay via unanimous decision
On October 23, 1987 Iran Barkley fought Sumbu Kalambay for the vacant WBA middleweight title. Barkley was 27 years old with a record of 22-3, and Kalambay was 31 with a record of 42-3-1. Barkley was on a 13-fight winning streak and Kalambay was on a 5-fight winning streak. Barkley lost via unanimous decision. Failed to win the vacant title. Went the distance with Kalambay.
9. Iran Barkley KOs James Baker
On February 2, 1996 Iran Barkley faced James Baker in a light heavyweight bout. Barkley was 35 years old with a record of 33-12, and Baker was 0 with a record of 0-0. Barkley was on a 3-fight losing streak. Barkley stopped James Baker via TKO in the 1st round.
10. Iran Barkley KOs Frankie Hines
On November 14, 1996 Iran Barkley faced Frankie Hines in a light heavyweight bout. Barkley was 36 years old with a record of 37-12, and Hines was 0 with a record of 0-0. Barkley was on a 4-fight winning streak. Barkley stopped Frankie Hines via TKO in the 1st round.