In a sport where strength and resilience define legacies, even the toughest warriors face battles beyond the ring—such is the case for Iran Barkley. The former three-division world champion recently suffered a harrowing stroke and was rushed to the hospital for further diagnosis. Now, as updates on Barkley’s health emerge, the boxing world rallies with support.

Barkley, the great uncle of Eagles star Saquon Barkley, held the WBC middleweight, IBF super middleweight, and WBA light heavyweight world belts during his storied career from 1982 to 1999. During this time, he amassed an impressive record of 43-19-1 while fighting some of the finest boxers of his time. At 64 years old, it appears his battles aren’t over, they aren’t just in the ring anymore. 

How is Iran Barkley doing now?

Even though Barkley could not attain the sort of global fame that Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, or others acquired, most fans remember the Bronx, New York native for his middleweight title fight against former British champion Nigel Benn in 1990. However, that’s not the only fight that etched Barkley’s name into the pages of boxing history. 

He defeated the legendary former world champion Thomas Hearns and secured a commanding win over Darrin Van Horn, which helped him grab titles in two different weight classes. Regardless of his past battles, Barkley found himself sparring with life when promoter Lou DiBella informed the public about Barkley’s emergency hospitalization. 

“Prayers up for a NYC #boxing legend and a really, really, good guy, Iran Barkley, who’s now hospitalized following a stroke. Much love to the Blade,” DiBella wrote. Thankfully, people across the community didn’t have to wait for long to receive an update. The promoter quickly put everyone at ease, writing, “Just spoke to Iran. He sounded really strong and was joking around.”

Barkley, like so many of his boxing matches in the ring, had won once again. “[He] said no little stroke keeping him on the canvas. He’s grateful to everyone for the love and prayers. God is good,” DiBella continued. Since then, prayers and well wishes from boxing veterans and fans have been pouring in. 

Mauricio Sulaiman, Antonio Tarver, and Randy Gordon: Among the first to respond

Right after the news started making headlines, social media started flooding with messages for Barkley. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman issued a statement, writing, “I spoke with him and he’s in good spirits. Prayers from the boxing family of the world will be very much appreciated and helpful. He has been a very dear friend for many years.”  Barkley, of course, held and fought for WBC belts on multiple occasions.

Former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Antonio Tarver chimed in. “Praying for a full and speedy recovery for The Blade,” he wrote. Even the former head of the New York State Athletic Commission, Randy Gordon, shared his thoughts and prayers. “All good thoughts and prayers to the legendary former three-division titleholder,” he wrote. 

And from the fans, an outpouring of support flowed without hesitation. “Been thinking of him. Thank you for letting us know. I hope he has many more years ahead of him,”  wrote one user. Meanwhile, one user took a moment to recall personal encounters with Barkley, sharing their experience with warmth and admiration “Bumped into him at Gleason’s gym a few times. He was always a gentleman. He never refused fans any autographs or pictures. I pray for Iran Barkley,” the user commented. 

That said, it appears Iran Barkley is currently out of danger. EssentiallySports wishes The Blade a speedy recovery. Do you have a message for the boxing legend?