Iran Barkley Documentary - The Forging of the Blade

A look back at three-division world champion Iran 'The Blade' Barkley.

[@sixxfreak58]

I met Barkley years ago at the Felt Forum before he fought Olajide. He was the toughest, most intimidating fighter I ever shook hands with, aside from Joe Frazier. Barkley was the NYC version of great Philly middleweights like Frank Fletcher ... but he was our guy. My Man Iran !!! Thank you, Rich as always for remembering these legendary fighters.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Mindy.

[@gilly-5687]

What was it about Frazier that was so intimidating? As I've heard a few people say this. I wish I could have met him.

[@stephengeorge3507]

Animal Fletcher, James hard Rock green,another great war,on NBC, CBS, ABC, every Saturday a great fight,then ESPN, USA, Tuesday night fights were great,every wk,somebody got I ro a war Matthew Franklin, Yoqi Lopez,Bobby Chacon, bazooka Limon,on and on and on,tremendous era,the beast Mugabi destroyed Fletcher, I didn't here that cow bell ringing too much that Saturday, remember marvin Johnson, my favorite fighter of all time Salvador sanchez, all his fights were free tv,destroyed little red Lopez twice,he fought everybody Juan Laporte from ny,fought bazooka gomez, 32 and o,32 knockouts,the great Sanchez had him down in first round,brutal beat down, bad blood involved, but Gomez always goes to pay his respects on the day Sanchez was killed, very tragic, I couldn't believe it,a month after he had a war with the unknown Izumi Nelson,who went on to have a tremendous run,I can give on for hrs about 70,80s.the great Marvin Hagler, had about 40 fights before they gave him a title shot,pound for pound,might of been the best in the world, was still working construction job full time,crazy,guys were getting 4,5,hundred a fight,times have changed, besides Crawford, the monster,I wouldn't pay to see anybody. Lol

[@stephengeorge3507]

@gilly-5687 Joe would look right through you,for a while he was bitter,and I don't blame him,Ali treated him terrible, always called him evey derogatory name you can think of,basically calling him the N word,nobody ever came to his defense, when he retired, he drank too much,I think they patched it up,when they got older

[@b9479]

​@@stephengeorge35074 to 500 for a boxer ain't no money, not even in the 70s and 80s, you have to pay your corner and taxes on top of that

[@johndonny443]

Duran vs Barkley was one of the best fights I ever watched. War!

[@vinceyoung5912]

I feel his corner lost that fight.

[@grammysworld5449]

​@@vinceyoung5912nah, it just wasnt a good matchup for Iran.. Iran likes to trade punches and can take them, but The Man with the Hands Of Stone is probably the best ever at doing just that..

[@vinceyoung5912]

@@grammysworld5449 his corner gave him zero coaching. All they did was try to amp him up. No strategy no insight

[@bulletproof890]

Its a travesty that Iran Barkley isn't in hall of fame. Beat Hearns twice, three division titles, and was over the top entertaining. He should be inducted.

[@michaelferreri1256]

How in the hell can that be possible? If anyone is worthy of the Hall Of Fame it's Iran Barkley. No question!

[@dedetreek8893]

Being inducted into the boxing hall of fame won't pay his bills. It's a meaningless accolade.

[@Robert-qm5so]

Their second fight could of gone either way I think Hearns was robbed so then the sports writers and experts. Plus his record 43-19 is horrible for the HOF

[@sakutarousama290]

Records are for DJ. You cant summarize a boxer with 2 numbers boxrec warrior. Barkley was a good fighter but might not be a HOF caliber. But if Gatti and Chico got in, he can definitly enter

[@paulgarcia9825]

He was a great fighter. Didn't have the skills of a great fighter but he had the heart, determination, courage and fortitude. He was in top condition in his early career and fought his heart out. Little defense and all offense and he telegraphed his punches but he never stop trying. True warrior.

[@TheNeorch]

He actually showed more than that when he fought Duran I think,he had everything there.

[@jimmurray8483]

Still amazes me that 135 LW legend Roberto Duran, who was well past his prime, defeated this man in an amazing fight

[@billybob9961]

Truly amazing Roberto Duran the hands of Stone has to be one of the greatest fighters to ever live. 5 foot seven and took on monsters, and once they were in the ring, the size difference did not matter. He even gave marvelous Marvin Hagler, a tough fight, although, marvelous Marvin Hagler‘s respect for Roberto, Duran, and appreciation for fighting him more than likely affected the marvelous one taking it a little easier on Roberto Duran nevertheless, I think that’s one of Roberto Duran‘s most amazing fights. Marvelous Marvin Hagler, especially at that time was beyond a middleweight monster one of the greatest middleweight of all time.

[@davidbolen8982]

Duran siempre!

[@AdolfsGirl]

yet Duran lost to hearns but Barkley beat hearns.

[@Gordon_MINUS1890]

@@AdolfsGirlanother example of style makes fights

[@EricKing-sx5ll]

Roberto would continually land his sneaky straight right hand throughout the course of the fight and Iran would refuse to bring his left hand back up for defense. Still an all time Great fight!!

[@michaeldeupree3378]

breaks my heart that his corner, the influential people nor his loved ones cared enough to teach him life lessons outside the ring. managing his finances should have been priority. this happens to so many young athletes and it truly hurts my heart to witness someone like Barkley who put God first in his praises and came from nothing and banged his knuckles, blood, sweat and tears out in the ring for many years, entertaining all of us with every bout only to end up broke and homeless. not counting the brain injuries and other physical and mental issues he is left with. so sad!

[@billybob9961]

Very true boxing is a cruel corrupt sport with no oversight of any type to speak of. There’s absolutely no reason professional boxers do not have some type of pension plan, and some financial planning offered by promoters or the boxing commission. If someone like myself with a small company of 30 employees I can offer a 401(k) retirement plan a multi million dollar industry like professional boxing would have no problem creating a pension/retirement fund for their entertainers. It’s sad it’s disgusting and very cruel. Greed.

[@mcsmoothstyle]

Thank you for doing a episode on Barkley! All heart and guts, with a tough hide and a good punch to back it up.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, mcsmoothstyle.

[@Duel1982]

I remember him being matched extremely tough very early on. And fighting on Television as a prospect. HR had a chiseled frame and loved a scrap. It ended up boding him well in the long run as a contender and champ he had an edge of durability and Explosive confidence that could only be gained through being tested early.

[@sob1994]

When I was a kid I had Duran vs Barkley on a VHS tape. It was the only fight I had a recording of, I must-have watched it over a 100 times.

[@domturiace670]

He wasn't that talented, but he was just tough. I always liked to see him fight. Win or lose he was trying, and I always liked his honesty in post fight interviews. May god protect him in his later years.

[@SUPERMAR1O0224]

The nicest person to ever live, and the toughest man who always came to fight. Iran ‘The Blade’ Barkley

[@philipvjones397]

This guy had a fearsome left hook. There was one in the Duran fight that literally spun him 360 degrees. Amazing that Duran could beat someone that much bigger - and younger at the time as well. Also amazing that Benn didn;t get disqualified against him.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Benn was a dirty fighter and should have been disqualified.

[@stephengeorge3507]

I remember the Duran fight,it was a tremendous fight,Duran looked like he was done,but when he was motivated, like the Moorer, or Barkley fight,he was slick as they came,did his best work at lightweight, so to even be banging with these guy's was crazy,Barkley was tough as they came,as most fighters were back then

[@rory693]

Cracking fights over years. I’ve just realised that there is no Wikipedia page for Michael Olajide! Crazy given the quality of opponents he faced in his career and how much success he’s had post boxing. Very strange. Thanks again Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Rory. That is weird, he was a notable fighter during his day.

[@kevindean1327]

​@@RichtheFightHistorianHe fought a tremendous fight with a fighter named Troy Darrell that I watched live on one of the networks on May 10 1987. I went looking for it the other day and couldn't find it. I just remember it as being a really good tilt.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

The old “Honest Pro” was Iran. Hit hard times once his career ended, as is the case with plenty of fighters. The fight with Robbie Simms was a classic, let alone the Hearns and Duran fights etc. I hope time has been kind to this super tough fighter. Great stuff as usual RTFH

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, CTO

[@claydogmadman7843]

He was Thomas Herns kryptonite, without question...

[@telstar4772]

Dont forget Hearns is naturally 2 weight classes below Barkley

[@nunyafuckinbizniz]

I would argue Hearns is a natural middleweight....being emaciated at welterweight is not natural

[@ThaFutcha1921]

That Barkley-Sims fight was a DOG FIGHT! That was one the most amazing fight highlights I have Ever seen! I’m watching that fight right when I get done with this documentary!!!

[@anthonyventi1579]

Am I imagining this, or are you cranking these things out twice as often lately?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yeah, might as well put out more content when I have the time.

[@petierican6079]

​@RichtheFightHistorian and we are loving it rich your the man!!🥊

[@cj88macleod]

Shhh let the master work ❤

[@petierican6079]

@@cj88macleod yeah !!🤣🤣

[@leogreer8400]

Your the man keep them coming bro🥊

[@v2vroth]

Yet another great video thanks Rich! I remember when Barkley and Duran went toe to toe One of my all-time favorite bouts! Also his great fights with Nigel Benn and Tommy Hearns.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Vinny.

[@andrewgibbs7279]

I'll always remember the 1st Hearns Barkley fight. Hearns looked on the verge of stopping Barkley with those viscous hooks to the body, but Barkley caught Tommy with that huge hook and it was pretty much over. I'll never forget it, or the post fight interview, he was so funny with some of his quotes, when asked about the cuts over his eyes and in his mouth his reply was hilarious.. 'I didn't have time to bleed', what a line I really liked Barkley, he was technically quite limited, but had a massive heart, was tough and very determined, fought so many top fighters and champs and generally gave them all a good argument . So sad to see how his career ended and how all his hard earned cash got fluttered away, an all too common story for many fighters. Hope he's doing good now, in good spirits and enjoying life. Thanks Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Andrew.

[@mider-spanman5577]

All of those fighters in that era knew how to go to war! Iran Barkley is no exception. Very apt name, the Blade! Can't come to battle without it.

[@peterkonyegwachie5433]

I met Barkley at the 1982 world championships in Munich. He was a promising amateur boxer then. He was with Whittaker, Breland and Biggs. He didn't win any medal nor did I. He turned pro immediately afterwards and turned out to be one of the best middleweights ever. Well done, champ.

[@Nick-rk2uc]

Once again i finish watching one of your doco thinking "what a life he's lived!" (and hopefully plenty more good years ahead). That's what I love the most about these boxers, they live their lives to the fullest, enjoy the highs and accept the lows. Life is all about the journey.

[@kcatleticos]

Actually kind of sad really--Going from a Millionaire to being homeless and sleeping on the Subway..

[@petierican6079]

The blade I've met him. Add a add a New Jersey boxing hall of fame dinner very down-to-earth person. Very friendly spoke to everyone. Sat down with you and spoke great guy. Thank you rich for another great documentary as always

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Petie. Very cool that you met him, he seemed like a friendly sort outside of the ring.

[@petierican6079]

@RichtheFightHistorian yes rich you bring joy to so many people all around the boxing world thank you for all you do making all your viewers so happy thanks again brother 🥊💯💪👑🥊🫡

[@panamaharp]

The Blade! Won some, lost some but fought everyone! Great fighter 🥊

[@barrybarnes96]

That left hook that staggered Duran at 54:41 ..is one of the all time best examples of a guy taking a wicked left hook and staying on his feet.

[@TempusFugit1159]

This fine feature made me go back and watch highlights of Barkley vs. James Toney. I'm glad that Iran got his best purse for this fight; the punishment he took was absolutely brutal. Props to trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad for stopping it, Iran wanted to keep going even with both eyes closed and mouth dripping blood.

[@Irod69]

Oh man never a dull fight with Iran , what a Warrior I hope he’s doing ok 🤞

[@jimmurray8483]

So happy I found this channel

[@colincampbell7928]

Cool video, I'd only ever seen the James Toney, Roberto Duràn and Nigel Benn fights before. What a genuine badass.

[@dalebecause2467]

Iran Barkely...what can I say.....He was the kind of fighter that I figured would be just a palooka for other fighters...BUT wow, he proved that wrong. Though he took was too many punches he was most definitely a fighter. When he beat Hearns the first time I was so happy for him. Its sad that he hung around like he did and went through his money. Another top-notch video Rich....As always I so much enjoy these. I really do look forward to them.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Dale.

[@xalleem8117]

Can only imagine the time/effort it takes to put together these videos..thank you for all the hard work and obscure footage you bring us....👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✌🏾

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, X Aleem.

[@mikhunter2]

Rich you’re the best!!! I’ve been at Gleason’s fantasy camp’s with Iran - what a warrior!!! From his personal challenges to how he’s developed as a fighter ( of course this is in reverse)! Boxing is the acid test of character and simple summation of a human being. Keep doing it Rich!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, mikhunter. Barkley seems like such a cool dude.

[@luperojas6610]

One of my favorite boxers of that era.

[@jonellis7222]

A brilliant biography, great action from a tough man, and so much of it was new to me, and sad. He was fierce, but not disrespectful.

[@lymanpauli517]

Another great intro. I had the privilege of sparring Iran in 1989 before the Duran fight

[@serenityinside1]

Course you did

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Lyman. Hats off to you for that sparring session.

[@bobrockmann7521]

Great work once again, Rich. Thank you for continously putting out these fantastic documentaries.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Bo.

[@gianca60]

Barkley represented the USA in the 1982 World Amateur Championship in Munich, Germany. I was there but unfortunately I did not had the chance to see him fight.

[@josephabrams4002]

Such an interesting career. He has to be the only boxer to beat a former heavyweight champ and also lose to a former lightweight champ.

[@el34glo59]

That's so odd to think about

[@humanbeing2420]

21:46 - Two guys hitting each other at the same time, with the same punch, with the same force, having the same result. I don't think I've ever seen this happen before. It was perfect symmetry for a couple of seconds....

[@Inca13]

True warrior always exciting to watch

[@RonColeman-zy5cd]

Man his first few fights i thought no way this guy will be around long his defense just wasn't there he got hit way to many times boy was i wrong. Another great doc. Rich thank you Iran deserved this. What a wonderful man a heart as big as New York. Great job my friend i loved this one as well as all the other one's 👍👍👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ron. What a fighting heart Barkley had.

[@donnellvickers6314]

I learned by watching your channel at 5 minutes in that Haglar brother was a professional fighter, I always knew that Robbie Sims was his brother, but didn't know he was a fighter, Barkley was a great fighter and didn't deserve to end up back in the project building he grew up in, very good 👍😎 video RICH I loved it

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Donnell. Sims was a pretty good fighter himself.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Loved Barkley's heart and attitude. No doubt he was a great three division champion. Nice one Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, RE.

[@RustyTonesJr]

Great film. Great fights. And thanks for introducing me to such a supreme fighter.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Rusty.

[@johndavies2285]

Another great video. Best boxing channel on KZbin.

[@joederocco9321]

great fighter. really was and beat some of the best he just took too many ounches and stayed in the game to long. hope he stays well

[@play2winboxingchannel92]

I'm from NYC you gotta love Iran Barkley the uncle of NY Giants running back Saquon

[@Joe-ry2xq]

Ooooooh man I can't wait to kick back and tune into this 😀, its the one I being waiting for!!

[@Thelategreatjohnnybratton]

Great job Rich. Really appreciate He reminded me of a guy from my generation Ralph Tiger Jones trained by Gil Clancy. Ralph would probably be champion today but his era was so filled with talent deep into the MW. Thanks again James

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, James.

[@jorgeesteves7695]

i like Barkley spirit and i approve of his style" tha blade'Barkley". Great fighter

[@johnnyh5969]

Nutter good 1 my man… I saw him fight Sanderline Williams I was back dressing room with my south Philly team. We was on same card. I was a teenager. I dint see you cover that fight but sanderline fought as good as he could. I was wut the Carmen Graziano team. Cut man Aiello was from our neighborhood also Barkley was tuff

[@betweenroundstv]

Another Great video

[@oldboygeorge7688]

I remember his guts and never give up attitude. Great video 👍

[@charlesrazo7246]

Duran was 135 pound guy beating a 160 pound guy. Amazing.

[@scott4766]

Great fighter but a really sad story, respect to the Barkley a proper dude.

[@zacariaspiedrasdelrio8984]

I lost his steps after his lost against Duran. He accomplished a lot 👏🏻

[@charlesrazo7246]

After that Duran fight, Barkley was never the same

[@2383Scorpio]

Great job Rich on Iran "The Blade" Barkley. You know in one of his interviews, he stated that the best fighter he fought was the one he wished he fought, but never fought was Robbie Sims' famous half-brother in Marvelous Marvin Hagler. If Hagler and Barkley each in their primes fought it would be a war like Hagler did with Hearns, but the Marvelous One would have a longer fight and he would knock or stop Barkley in 5 to 7 rounds or the later rounds. I admired Barkley that he fought the best whether they were in the prime or not. He fought and lost to the man who was the former world lightweight champion Roberto Duran, who took the WBC middleweight title from Barkley, who later knocked the former WBA Heavyweight Champion "The Bionic" Gerrie Coetzee when Barkley got heavier and past his prime. I hope you do a documentary on Robbie Sims. Keep it up Rich.

[@pawaaofnegativaty9803]

40:49 literally oh shitte haven't said that out loud in years. Amazing vid.

[@stephengeorge3507]

Barkley had 30 fights,two belts,and was paid 350$,for the hearns fight, THATS TRAGIC

[@ramirom1434]

Great episode! Looks like more boxing than previous segments. Makes for longer view but well worth the effort. Rounds it out but probably more work for you. Thanks again.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ramiro. Yeah, there were longer boxing segments...Barkley was a thrill-a-minute so they were hard to condense.

[@ramirom1434]

I had forgotten about his style and record. The segments reminded me about his talents.

[@matthewwren4708]

Good stuff Rich. Almost every fight he had was a barn stormer .

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Matthew. Absolutely right on Barkley's tendency to get into wars in every fight.

[@danielroth8738]

This is the first time I heard Iran Barkley talk.

[@inude2436]

You should make a James toney documentary next!

[@serenityinside1]

Shame rich quickly glossed over the Toney fight here - that was a master class and painful beating for Iran 😯. Finished off his resilience etc surely .

[@christopherbellore3511]

Another GREAT profile. Well done, Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Christopher.

[@dennisfboston4543]

That was an awesome doc on career of one of my favorite fighters. Sad towards ending but thank God for the goodwill of some great people 🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Dennis.

[@SurvivorofHorror]

Perhaps one of the most fortunate modern day boxers. Iran could have easily been persuaded to become a journeyman after his early defeats, however, he went on to have some incredible wins and also some devastating defeats. Duran put on a masterclass against him and Benn destroyed him, but that victory over Hearns was awesome.

[@AndrewWilliams-kw6bc]

If not your best, dam close to it, great work ! Mr excitement !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Andrew.

[@bh1422]

Iran Barkley was the chief sparring partner for Davey Moore who was preparing to defend his WBA Junior Middleweight title against South Africa's Charlie Weir. They trained at the YMCA gym in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the very gym I would later that decade share with 3X world champion Dingaan Thobela.

[@BigB69]

Awesome thanks for all the work you do for the boxing community 🙏 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Brandon.

[@kcatleticos]

Great, entertaining Show Rich--Interesting subject matter..

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, John

[@John.Flower.Productions]

Sometimes, one fighter just has another fighter's number. There is no reason that Iran Barkley should have been able to defeat Thomas Hearns but if they fought 10 times, Barkley would have probably won 10 times.

[@gregorybush3224]

Jan- Van Horn. March - Hearns. Less than 3 months. Incredible

[@grbbbc]

Superb, many great boxing channels on KZbin, but this one’s the best, many thanks Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks so much, G R

[@bennylevine387]

This is brilliant, such a thorough look back at what was truly an unforgettable fighter. Weirdest thing is that yesterday I was talking with a boxing fan at his house and we spent like a good 20 minutes on the Blade. I come to the computer--documentary on the Blade. Amazing. My mouth dropped. But this was really sensational. I always pulled for him and it was truly a great journey as a fan seeing him go from a win some/lose some tough NY middleweight to a guy who was on the biggest of stages.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Benny. Serendipity hits sometimes.

[@scotthawkins28]

Rich, as always, you’ve knocked it out of the park again with this documentary. Thank you for your videos. I always look forward to seeing your new videos or revisiting your great videos from days gone by. Iran Barkley had a compelling and mystical career snd he smiled the entire way. I have several favorites in boxing but Iran Barkley is one of my Alltime favorites.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Scott. Glad you enjoyed 'The Blade'.

[@MrT-ev4dq]

Superb again Sir. Thank you .

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Mr T

[@Night-train-dq6sl]

Damn great Documentary needed this Barkley is my 2nd fav fighter

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Night Train

[@peterlawrence7851]

Ya never see fights like this in this day n age

[@jessearias2863]

Thanks Rich, love it great fight footage especially the early stuff, well worth a year long wait. Really love the picture on the home screen. Side note rich, he is sequin Barkley s uncle

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Right on, Jesse. Yeah, he's Saquon's grand uncle.

[@jessearias2863]

@@RichtheFightHistorian hey rich, I suggest sam peter, and Michael Nunn next.

[@ezrabell6054]

a great great channel . thanks mate.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Ezra.

[@paulbroderick4217]

Wow Rich, you keep knocking me out!!!!Thanks bud!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Paul. Thanks for watching.

[@xjbomb4463]

Fantastic

[@ash6415]

He’s still one of the biggest MW’s ever. I don’t know how he made 160.😮

[@nickharmer3049]

Thank you Rich. Another awesome upload. Really first class work, with all the good stuff.! Appreciated as always. Bless up bro👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Nick. Thanks for watching.

[@brianseneca3546]

I never saw the Hall fight! Wha a BRAWL!!

[@andrewjewell3142]

Not having the best boxing skills he was still a 3 weight world champion toughness and hard work

[@DC4Life77]

Charlie Murphy talked about Iran Barkley on the Chappelle show dvd Charlie Murphy true Hollywood stories outtakes, and it is hilarious. I highly recommend watching it. RIP Charlie Murphy

[@allenlindsey1175]

Another Masterpiece Rich! Iran REALLY went to another level when his left come from his shoulder like it did in 88 Faster and Harder hitting then a .50 caliber Sniper round. edit Iran's hooks looked exactly like a walk off home run ....Perfect form

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Allen. Yeah, I think your baseball analogy is spot on.

[@allenlindsey1175]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Thanks Rich i boxed a semi pro named Tim Brown in the 90's and he taught me a few things while he blacked both my eyes...lolz any way i was working on tug boats at the time and i had a couple of "sail rings" i used to throw around. i recognize a perfect form punch even though i NEVER had the thick skull or the defensive skills to be a boxer....i Love the sweet science of a perfect punch.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich ❤

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@emokellen]

The hits keep coming (no pun intended, maybe?) Keep up the good work Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, emokellen.

[@Grudeman408]

ALOT of fighters with Barclays skill level or better never made it or became world champions! Barclay did because he really really wanted it you could see his fighting spirit in his eyes, hes from the proper streets!! Brooklyn in the early 80s from what i heard it was a very scary place , barcklay deserves hall of fame!!! THAT ROBBIE SIMS FIGHT WAS COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY INSANE!!!

[@brucekielty8180]

Canastota, are you watching? With his total body of work, Iran should qualify for induction.

[@jamesgarcia9123]

great boxer! power puncher! the story would be a good movie', too bad no one showed him how too save money', and generate more of it. peace

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, abudujana

[@Pfsif]

What a great sister he had.

[@MrCrystalcranium]

I understand men like Iran, who succeed in the ring because of desire born out of poverty and hopelessness and, the seedy underworld of promotors and managers stealing whatever they can get their hands on isn't a scenario that lends itself to financial security but I still have a difficult time wrapping my mind around why so many end up broke, homeless and demented. Barkley won 3 titles, fought for million dollar purses and still ended up wrecking his brain fighting for $250 at an advanced age because he needed the money. Such a sweet, God fearing man who always recognized the courage and abilities of his opponents. It just doesn't seem right he ended up like this. Two victories over Tommy Hearns...only Sugar Ray Leonard can claim that honor yet he and Iran ended up in the end as far apart as one can imagine. So sad.

[@michaeldeupree3378]

exactly what my thoughts are...so sad

[@AndreDonDodda-kr9lb]

Boxers today are child's play compared to old-school fighters

[@setiyoung1611]

Thank you!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Seti.