Iran Barkley is the most friendly boxer you will ever meet outside the ring, but yes back then he was a beast! I see him every year and he's doing good.
The last line that Barkley delivered on this show about Arsenio buying a seat for hearns was fantastic and the delivery could not have been better. These fellows could definitely do stand up. Well done Iran Barkley.
Hearns was killing Barkley in this fight with body shots Iran was ready to go when he landed . Iran always had a punchers chance because of his tough chin. Barkley never was a great technical fighter but tough as they come.
I'm one of the biggest Hearns fans in the world, but let me say this: This rematch with Iran Barkley clearly marked the beginning of the end (or downhill slope) for Thomas the Great. There's no shame in that, it's just the truth. Now in their first fight, Hearns was looking beautiful and dominant until he just let himself get caught with that lone right uppercut.
It is evident that Hearns was trying to position himself for another left to the body when he was hit with that right hand. He was sort of going to pivot inside, but he should have blocked the punch. He was always so offensive minded, that against Barkley who threw a little awkward, he couldn't really time his rhythm as well. But give Barkley credit, he beat a great fighter.
the irony of this is huh "irony" get it, is that Thomas lost this rematch and he should've left the ring like he said, because though he won plenty more fights the wear and tear on his body has made his golden years a struggle.
What wasn't mentioned, was the beating Iran was taking for the 3 rounds. Tommy is a far superior boxer to Barkley, but Barkley's style makes it hard for Tommy to land his right hand flush. If Tommy wouldn't have got caught and kept up those vicious body shots he would have stopped Barkley. By the time the rematch came around Tommy had some of his prime left, but was not 100%, nor was Barkley.
No doubt it was close, but Duran clenched it. And when was Roberto the media's "darling?" They always hated him after he beat their darling Ray Leonard, and they screwed Tommy in his rematch with Ray.
I'm no one special and I had nothing to offer Barkley! Saw him this year at the IBHOF and again he accomadated every fan that wanted pic or auto. Saw him at the Dunk n Donut later that day and again he was all smiles. I know he was there in 2011 and was unable to sign anything cus the IBHOF rewarded him for signing there merchandise that was being auctioned! I have no doubt you are honest when you say he was less than pleasant to you but there must have been a reason....
Love the way they enter, Hearns like boxing royalty, suited and booted. Meanwhile the Blade swaggers out behind in his street casual wear like he's walking through his hood. Barkley was a bad dude.
this is great this is how you promote boxing bring it back to the public eye, i was young when arsenio's was great but i do remeber it being a very entertaining show, bringing two boxers to exchange words candidly on national tv, without the managers their publicists and anyone to get in between but a entertainer. haha
I love Barkley. but what kind of credit was he due? After a win against a legend, he should have beaten more legends and he just didn't.. He lost to Duran, Nunn and Benn.. I do think he should be in the Hall of fame. He might be the only middleweight to beat the lightheavyweight who was the same fighter in both wins. He and Hearns sure made good fights. Tommy's style was great for Barkley.
I'm being objective as well. Commentators Al Bernatein, Al Alberts, Larry Merchant and others rarely gave Duran any credit at all. Many think of the "No Mas" fight (which he never said) and that's it. It's the same as saying Hearns losses to Leonard and Hagler were more important than his wins, not so.
Barkley had the Great Tommy Hearns number. Barkley KO'd him in 3 rounds @ 60 and took Hearns WBC Middleweight Belt. Then @ 175 he took Hearns WBA Light Heavy Weight Championship Belt by split decision. Barkley was a tough underrated Middleweight. 🗣But nobody can take those Belts from him that he earned in the ring. Plus he was not duck n anybody. He fought at least 3 HOF fighters and numerous Champions during his career. Sad thing is he never made any serious money. 🗣♊️👤RISING
I think you are very incorrect here. I never heard anything but sky-high praise for Duran from the media -- more, IMO, than he deserved. Obviously you are a huge fan. I'm trying to be objective. I think Barkely beat Duran, but yes, I agree that Hearns deserved the decision agaisnt SRL in the 2nd fight. I also think their first fight was stopped a tad too early (though it probably wouldn't have mattered). Finally, I think Hagler beat SRL.
The three I mentioned were horrible towards him. Oddly enough guys like Sean O'Grady and Barry McGuigan always gave Duran props, because they themselves were fighters and knew fighting. Ali and Leonard could never do anything wrong in the media's eyes.
Barkley should've been a foot note in Hearns career. All Tommy had to do was finish the round and he'd have won the fight, bu he got over confident and sloppy. The rematch was pretty meaningless, his legs were totally gone, no spring left.
Utmost respect for Tommy H. But Iran B owned him here. Much too quick-witted for Tommy - and not remotely intimidated by him, either. His response to Hearns laughing at the fact that he was trained by his sister is classic. Wiped the smile of Hearns face immediately. I hope they are both doing well.
After watching these two, I can see why Leonard was the media darling. Barkley and Hearns could barely complete a sentence between them; Then consider that Duran didn't speak English and Hagler didn't care for the media, Leonard was the only hope for the tv world. That being said, Barkley was a great boxer, but he doesn't get a lot of credit because he never fought Hagler and Leonard, where as the four kings all fought each other. Barkley did beat Hearns twice, and fought brilliantly against Duran until Roberto figured him out in the final three rounds. I think Barkley would've been competitive against Hagler and Leonard, and they would've been exciting matches.
I never noticed that from commentators. I guess I'd have to go back & listen. I just remember Cosell & most others loving him. IMO, other darlings (of fans, broadcasters, & - worst of all - judges) were Ali & Leonard, great boxers though they were.
Really enjoyed this, thanks. Hearns is my personal favorite, & I have nothing but respect for Barkley. It's absolutely true that IB didn't get the respect due him, & when he fought Duran, it made me mad when they gave Duran the decision. I also felt Hearns beat Leonard in the rematch, but the judges didn't give it to him.
@rocketfingers67 The show is called Arsenio Hall. He is the host. Yes, you have seen Tyson and Ali on it, and no, it is not a boxing show. It was a late night show that featured mainly black celebrities.
Hearns was strange sometimes, he had a good chin sometimes but sometimes it was so fragile, like when Hagler knocked him out it looked like he barely touched him. Basically when Hearns got tired his chin was glass.
BUENA PEGA. ESE BARKLEY ERA CASI SEMICOMPLETO PARA ESE MOMENTO.. HEARNS LE DIO CON TODO Y NO PUDO PONERLO MAL SIQUIERA-.MUY MALA ACTUACION DEL ARBITRO. DEBIO PARAR LAS ACCIONES CUANDO HEARNS CAYO POR 2DA VEZ. TODO PELEADOR POR INSTINTO RESPONDE QUE SI PUEDE SEGUIR COMBATIENDO. ASI VIENEN LOS ACCIDENTES CUANDO NO PARAN LA PELEA A TIEMPO. SALUDOS DESDE ANACO-VENEZUELA..
Kind of sad to see Tommy today. What is the term ring IQ , drunk brain. They deserve everything, respect etc. Because the price they often pay is horrible. All the best from 2020
I like both these guys. Being a big Hearns fan, I wish he wouldn't have gotten careless in the first Barkley fight. He was looking so good & strong, but not having a strong chin, that one mistake did him in. But credit to Barkley, who (I think) got robbed against darling Roberto Duran.
I agree with you about Larry Merchant, all I can say is it makes you think about the sayin "it's all who you know" bcuz he def isnt articulate,he is obviously callous and sarcastic and again I dont know who deemed him "fit" to be a commentator for anything bcuz of his personality. On the other hand I agree with lizardman about Duran and how they treated him but yes Sean and Barry did give him his due. You guys had a good "debate" if I may, rare for youtube viewers.
This is really sad, because the other day i read in a Ny paper that Iran Barkley is now totally broke, and homeless. Boxing needs a union & a pension plan!
I believe that . . . the look on his face at 2.40 is like a vaguely amiable pit bull. Sits there with its tail thumping the floor, all the while deciding which part of you it wants to eat first.
I typically like Bernstein, don't know (tbh) Al Alberts -- at least I'd have to see him, and have never understood how L. Merchant made a living as a fight commentator. Makes some ridiculous comments, and is not articulate. The only time I thought he was excellent was when interviewing L. Lewis after the Klitschko fight. He stood up to Lewis' total bull and lack of class, and deserves real credit for that (watch it). Other than that -- no.
Iran Barkley is the most friendly boxer you will ever meet outside the ring, but yes back then he was a beast! I see him every year and he's doing good.
Barkley was Hearn's worse nightmare!
Ain't no punk in Barkley! Both are legends, respect to both.
Early Arsenio worth watching decades later.
Tru Rudboi Absolutely!!!
You're not gonna out-talk a New Yorker.
You got that RIGHT!
& U Know It!😁
The last line that Barkley delivered on this show about Arsenio buying a seat for hearns was fantastic and the delivery could not have been better. These fellows could definitely do stand up. Well done Iran Barkley.
Ha. I met Barkley yesterday. Great guy.
Iran Barkley is one cool dude.🥊💪
Hearns was killing Barkley in this fight with body shots Iran was ready to go when he landed . Iran always had a punchers chance because of his tough chin. Barkley never was a great technical fighter but tough as they come.
Barkley won. But,ended in the hospital. A week,with 2 broken ribs.
I'm one of the biggest Hearns fans in the world, but let me say this: This rematch with Iran Barkley clearly marked the beginning of the end (or downhill slope) for Thomas the Great. There's no shame in that, it's just the truth. Now in their first fight, Hearns was looking beautiful and dominant until he just let himself get caught with that lone right uppercut.
Now this is wat u call sportsmanship only Arsenio could pull this off
Is this real
Hearns couldn't beat that man styles make fights. But Hearns is the better overall fighter. Barkley said a guy I flattened lol yell
Barkley was that dude! ... so underrated
James Toney took him to school tho
Not underrated just another boxer
It is evident that Hearns was trying to position himself for another left to the body when he was hit with that right hand. He was sort of going to pivot inside, but he should have blocked the punch. He was always so offensive minded, that against Barkley who threw a little awkward, he couldn't really time his rhythm as well. But give Barkley credit, he beat a great fighter.
hearns got tired period
Exactly. He was thinking all offense. Carl "The Truth" Williams used to do the same thing all the time.
the irony of this is huh "irony" get it, is that Thomas lost this rematch and he should've left the ring like he said, because though he won plenty more fights the wear and tear on his body has made his golden years a struggle.
Iran looks like Grand master Flash!
he does. lol
And now he looks like biz markie
you stupid !!! 😂😂😂😂
Iran showed that NO ONE can out trashtalk a NEW YORKER!
incredable, very exiting to hear to two warriors talk a fight almost as good as they actually fight.
Great person iran barkley , no nonsense type of guy.
Tommy Hearns was awesome, great fighter!
Iran is the truth!!!!!!!!! Tommy and Iran are legends!!!
Never heard of Iran Barkley until I seen his fights with Tommy. I gottta say he’s one tough fighter. Definitely underrated
What wasn't mentioned, was the beating Iran was taking for the 3 rounds. Tommy is a far superior boxer to Barkley, but Barkley's style makes it hard for Tommy to land his right hand flush. If Tommy wouldn't have got caught and kept up those vicious body shots he would have stopped Barkley. By the time the rematch came around Tommy had some of his prime left, but was not 100%, nor was Barkley.
No doubt it was close, but Duran clenched it. And when was Roberto the media's "darling?" They always hated him after he beat their darling Ray Leonard, and they screwed Tommy in his rematch with Ray.
I'm no one special and I had nothing to offer Barkley! Saw him this year at the IBHOF and again he accomadated every fan that wanted pic or auto. Saw him at the Dunk n Donut later that day and again he was all smiles. I know he was there in 2011 and was unable to sign anything cus the IBHOF rewarded him for signing there merchandise that was being auctioned! I have no doubt you are honest when you say he was less than pleasant to you but there must have been a reason....
I love their first fight. Barkley sure had to go through a lot of punishment to land his shot.
7:13
Tommy couldn't help but laugh 😆
Love the way they enter, Hearns like boxing royalty, suited and booted. Meanwhile the Blade swaggers out behind in his street casual wear like he's walking through his hood. Barkley was a bad dude.
Barkley 2
Hearns 0
this is great this is how you promote boxing bring it back to the public eye, i was young when arsenio's was great but i do remeber it being a very entertaining show, bringing two boxers to exchange words candidly on national tv, without the managers their publicists and anyone to get in between but a entertainer. haha
Barkley is a genuinely scary man.
Things get tense at 4:02. You can hear it in Arsenio's voice. He was afraid violence could erupt, and I can't blame him.
I'm sure they're looking at this now and laughing lmao
great interview tommy is a legend :D
With Hearns it was always exciting, somebody was going down. Barley never got the credit he deserved.
I love Barkley. but what kind of credit was he due? After a win against a legend, he should have beaten more legends and he just didn't.. He lost to Duran, Nunn and Benn.. I do think he should be in the Hall of fame. He might be the only middleweight to beat the lightheavyweight who was the same fighter in both wins. He and Hearns sure made good fights. Tommy's style was great for Barkley.
Duran - Barkley great fight to.Best fight of Barkley to me.
Iran was a gang member when he was younger, killed some guys in the Bronx in the 70's. Very scary dude.
thx for posting!!! : )
Classic interview
I'm being objective as well. Commentators Al Bernatein, Al Alberts, Larry Merchant and others rarely gave Duran any credit at all. Many think of the "No Mas" fight (which he never said) and that's it. It's the same as saying Hearns losses to Leonard and Hagler were more important than his wins, not so.
Great interview, cheers
Barkley had the Great Tommy Hearns number.
Barkley KO'd him in 3 rounds @ 60 and took Hearns WBC Middleweight Belt.
Then @ 175 he took Hearns WBA Light Heavy Weight Championship Belt by split decision.
Barkley was a tough underrated Middleweight.
🗣But nobody can take those Belts from him that he earned in the ring.
Plus he was not duck n anybody. He fought at least 3 HOF fighters and numerous Champions during his career.
Sad thing is he never made any serious money.
🗣♊️👤RISING
5:10 " Your sister taught you how to box! " haha
Classic Interview.
I like them both. This was a fun interview.
Barkley is such a great fighter .Hearns was lived in Leonard's shadow
I remeber this interview. Geesh I must be getting old.
hahahaha crazy interview! thanks a lot ! ''man, yo sister taught you how 2 box?!'' hahaha
I think you are very incorrect here. I never heard anything but sky-high praise for Duran from the media -- more, IMO, than he deserved. Obviously you are a huge fan. I'm trying to be objective.
I think Barkely beat Duran, but yes, I agree that Hearns deserved the decision agaisnt SRL in the 2nd fight. I also think their first fight was stopped a tad too early (though it probably wouldn't have mattered).
Finally, I think Hagler beat SRL.
Styles make fights, because Iran beat Tommy, but then lost to Duran, whereas, Tommy DESTROYED DURAN,
inside of 2 rounds.
Duran lost 40 pounds in 2 months in the Hearns fight
The three I mentioned were horrible towards him. Oddly enough guys like Sean O'Grady and Barry McGuigan always gave Duran props, because they themselves were fighters and knew fighting. Ali and Leonard could never do anything wrong in the media's eyes.
Barkley should've been a foot note in Hearns career. All Tommy had to do was finish the round and he'd have won the fight, bu he got over confident and sloppy. The rematch was pretty meaningless, his legs were totally gone, no spring left.
Not the two most intelligent guys trying to argue with one another is kind of amusing.
IceveinsProductions your statement is accurate
Iran B is a street guy, for sure. I don't think he is unintelligent, though. He has some good lines and comebacks here.
Utmost respect for Tommy H. But Iran B owned him here. Much too quick-witted for Tommy - and not remotely intimidated by him, either. His response to Hearns laughing at the fact that he was trained by his sister is classic. Wiped the smile of Hearns face immediately.
I hope they are both doing well.
After watching these two, I can see why Leonard was the media darling. Barkley and Hearns could barely complete a sentence between them; Then consider that Duran didn't speak English and Hagler didn't care for the media, Leonard was the only hope for the tv world. That being said, Barkley was a great boxer, but he doesn't get a lot of credit because he never fought Hagler and Leonard, where as the four kings all fought each other. Barkley did beat Hearns twice, and fought brilliantly against Duran until Roberto figured him out in the final three rounds. I think Barkley would've been competitive against Hagler and Leonard, and they would've been exciting matches.
I never noticed that from commentators. I guess I'd have to go back & listen. I just remember Cosell & most others loving him. IMO, other darlings (of fans, broadcasters, & - worst of all - judges) were Ali & Leonard, great boxers though they were.
Cool clip!
Glad Barkley dressed for the occasion lol.
These guys rule!!!!
Hearns is rnroll ,Barkley is HC Punk!
Arsenio looks so uncomfortable sitting between them lmao
didn't hands of stone Roberto duran wupp barkely ??
Really enjoyed this, thanks. Hearns is my personal favorite, & I have nothing but respect for Barkley. It's absolutely true that IB didn't get the respect due him, & when he fought Duran, it made me mad when they gave Duran the decision. I also felt Hearns beat Leonard in the rematch, but the judges didn't give it to him.
@rocketfingers67
The show is called Arsenio Hall. He is the host.
Yes, you have seen Tyson and Ali on it, and no, it is not a boxing show. It was a late night show that featured mainly black celebrities.
Barkley VS Leonard
Barkley VS Hagler
WHY DIDN'T THESE FIGHTS HAPPEN!!!!???? AAARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
Iran was a true warrior .
Robbed my ass....Duran won, it was close, but he took it.
@Robstailey exactly, not to mention a 37 year old former lightweight Roberto Duran.
Well, I was just sharing my opinion (politely). I'll watch the fight again when I get the chance.
Iran is the only guy who beat Tommy hearns twice "
Hearns was strange sometimes, he had a good chin sometimes but sometimes it was so fragile, like when Hagler knocked him out it looked like he barely touched him. Basically when Hearns got tired his chin was glass.
BUENA PEGA. ESE BARKLEY ERA CASI SEMICOMPLETO PARA ESE MOMENTO.. HEARNS LE DIO CON TODO Y NO PUDO PONERLO MAL SIQUIERA-.MUY MALA ACTUACION DEL ARBITRO. DEBIO PARAR LAS ACCIONES CUANDO HEARNS CAYO POR 2DA VEZ. TODO PELEADOR POR INSTINTO RESPONDE QUE SI PUEDE SEGUIR COMBATIENDO. ASI VIENEN LOS ACCIDENTES CUANDO NO PARAN LA PELEA A TIEMPO. SALUDOS DESDE ANACO-VENEZUELA..
My right ears gone deafee
Deafer*
Kind of sad to see Tommy today. What is the term ring IQ , drunk brain. They deserve everything, respect etc. Because the price they often pay is horrible. All the best from 2020
Who won rematch
Arsenio honestly look terrified sitting between these guys
I like both these guys.
Being a big Hearns fan, I wish he wouldn't have gotten careless in the first Barkley fight. He was looking so good & strong, but not having a strong chin, that one mistake did him in. But credit to Barkley, who (I think) got robbed against darling Roberto Duran.
these are real classy guys. even arsenio. competitive and funny.
i love hearns
I agree with you about Larry Merchant, all I can say is it makes you think about the sayin "it's all who you know" bcuz he def isnt articulate,he is obviously callous and sarcastic and again I dont know who deemed him "fit" to be a commentator for anything bcuz of his personality. On the other hand I agree with lizardman about Duran and how they treated him but yes Sean and Barry did give him his due. You guys had a good "debate" if I may, rare for youtube viewers.
even though i was a lil white guy i use to love me some ARSENIO HALL SHOW
This is really sad, because the other day i read in a Ny paper that Iran Barkley is now totally broke, and homeless. Boxing needs a union & a pension plan!
wow, this was fuckin' great
I didnt know they was light heavyweights
@Soulblackman hes from detroit
TENSION
Nice of Iran to dress up for the occasion…
It always seems like when u brawl with Tommy he loses aka hagler hearns Tommy has bad habit of keeping his hands low after he punches
James Toney schooled Barkley, period!
Tommy could talk then
great name pnutbutrn, but the little guy Duran did put the big guy down.
iran barkley got a chin dude
I believe that . . . the look on his face at 2.40 is like a vaguely amiable pit bull. Sits there with its tail thumping the floor, all the while deciding which part of you it wants to eat first.
Great interview...but Clippers? Playoffs??? that's how you know this is real old lol
@randylahey111 Iran is from The Bronx.
@silentweirdo88 Arsenio Hall Show
@sinusbradycardia Hearns struggled with brawlers, although he beat Roldan he was bably hurt! Barkley & Roldan never gave Hearns room to box..
boxingod....i guess that depends on who you are. he was nowhere near friendly to me at the hall
3rd rnd knock down ??? Barley KOed Tommy !! Had this same Barkley fought Benn, benn woulda been laid out !! Barkley had Hearns # !!
I typically like Bernstein, don't know (tbh) Al Alberts -- at least I'd have to see him, and have never understood how L. Merchant made a living as a fight commentator. Makes some ridiculous comments, and is not articulate. The only time I thought he was excellent was when interviewing L. Lewis after the Klitschko fight. He stood up to Lewis' total bull and lack of class, and deserves real credit for that (watch it). Other than that -- no.