There is positive news emerging about the condition of Iran “The Blade” Barkley as he begins his recovery having suffered a stroke last week.
Barkley was taken to New York Presbyterian hospital and one of the most popular figures on the ex-boxer’s circuit is said to be recovering well.
“Minor stroke, he does have heart issues,” wrote veteran matchmaker Ron Katz on X. “They did a bunch of tests, getting out of the hospital Monday or Tuesday. Sounds like it’s the best one could hope for under the circumstances.”
“He sounds great,” New York promoter DiBella told BoxingScene. “He sounds like Iran. He’s had health problems, thank God his wife’s a nurse because Iran doesn’t take good enough care of himself. But he sounded good. He’s certainly bouncing back.He’s still in the hospital, I think he will be getting out in the next few days. Iran’s a happy-go-lucky sort of guy, he loves people and he’s one of the most approachable people on earth. He’s a good man. He has a lot of friends and his wife’s a good lady. In the New York boxing community, Iran is very well loved. It was nice to see the rallying there was when people heard he was in the hospital. He’s definitely improving. He was joking that he’s called ‘The Blade’ but you could call him ‘The Cat’ because he has so many lives. He says he has a few of them left.”
The 64-year-old Barkley, a three-weight world champion from The Bronx, had a stellar career with plenty of dramatic moments and fights on his way to a record of 43 wins (27 early) against 19 losses and a draw.
His last fight came in 1999, up at heavyweight, but he really made his mark at 160 and 168, fighting the likes of Michael Nunn, James Toney, Tommy Hearns, Roberto Duran, Nigel Benn, Darrin Van Horn, and Sumbu Kalambay.
