Iran Barkley

[Tom Iron]

It's only a matter of time with the majority of blacks. The only unknown factor with them is just what they're going to do to louse themselves up. In the particular case of Iran Barkley, he mishandled his finances to the point that he's homeless. Living in a motel in the Bronx at the moment. Article in the NYPost today.

Tom Iron...

 

[Westside]

Sadly, a common end game to alot of black athelets, who were men children and really thought about life after their boxing careers. One exception to this HOFer Larry Holmes.

 

[white is right]

This piece is a little self serving. Barkley was a bad gambling addict who lost tens of thousands at the casinos in AC. I recall reading a statement from Arum where he stated Barkley once lost his purse or an advance in one day at the casino. He is also very lazy/unmotivated. I know Gerry Cooney has reached out to help him but Barkley wants to earn 6 figures without any credentials. Don't we all want that.....

 

[white is right]

Things might be marginally turning around for this former blood and guts warrior.... from the NY Post....By CANDICE M. GIOVE

Last Updated: 3:36 AM, December 26, 2010

Posted: 12:07 AM, December 26, 2010
Comments: 11
More Print

Iran Barkley is off the canvas, and just in time for Christmas.

The former middleweight champion, whose heartbreaking descent into homelessness was chronicled by The Post last month, has a roof over his head, a steady job in sight and even his championship belt back.

A Manhattan collector who had bought the boxer's purloined WBC middleweight title belt returned it to its rightful owner after reading about the case.

Last week, the 50-year-old former champ gripped the green belt, embellished with a gold medallion, a symbol of his stunning 1988 defeat of Thomas Hearns, and grinned just as wide as did the day he won it.
REGAINED HIS TITLE: Iran Barkley, who is on a comeback from homelessness, celebrates the recovery of his stolen middleweight championship belt, which he won in 1988.
Angel Chevrestt
REGAINED HIS TITLE: Iran Barkley, who is on a comeback from homelessness, celebrates the recovery of his stolen middleweight championship belt, which he won in 1988.
Championship of 1988
AP
Championship of 1988

The homeless fighter reported the belt stolen in late October, around the time a relative booted him from his lifelong home in The Bronx's Patterson Houses, on Third Avenue and 142nd Street.

"That's the only tangible asset he has in the world," said Mike Trapani, a friend and former fighter. "That belt stands for all his hard work."

Following the Post profile, the boxer's friends -- with the help of Post readers -- found the fighter a room in a Hunts Point halfway house.

"Everything just fell into place," said longtime pal John Marano.

The former fighter now has his own room, with a bed and a television. He also has a caseworker who provides guidance and is helping him apply for Medicaid.

Barkley said he has received job offers -- including one to bake bagels in Manhattan, another to train young boxers in Brooklyn and one for a Bronx retail gig.

He planned to spend Christmas Day with his daughter and his 4-year-old granddaughter, Nicolette.

"She's so bright," he bragged.

cgiove@nypost.com


Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bronx/boxer_now_on_his_feet_xgzF6Ows7ryVhXoTuy8zZP#ixzz19NFn14FG

 

[Westside]

Iran was a throw back fighter that had some great wins against HOFers and great fighters. He even KO'd Gerrie Coatzea as a heavyweight!

Hopefully he can resolve to live an constructive life and contribute something to someone.