Iran Barkley, a fellow Bronx guy like me, was my man back in the day. Had some epic battles with wins over Hearns, Kinchen, Wilford Scypion and losses to Duran, Nunn, Benn, and Toney. In 1997, he had a TKO victory over Gerrie Coetzee for the "Vacant World Boxing Board Heavyweight Title". A pretty good win over a tough South African. Does anyone consider this a legit HW belt? Or consider Barkely a real HW who should be listed along with other HW champs?
No I personally rank him as a real heavyweight champ. Good on Iran for getting up there but I don't see him as a legit world champ any higher than light heavy .
Of course not, the WBB is not a recognized title. I watched the fight at the time both were way past their best and extremely slow.
That was a terrible fight with Coetezee and not worthy of being called a HW title fight. I am a fan of Barkley though and any man that beat Hearns not once but twice deserves respect. Barkley was tough dude for sure.
Me too. Fights like that are sad to see. I remember reading a few years ago that Barkley is totally broke. I hate seeing these great warriors end up like that after giving so much to the sport. He deserves better.
