Thomas Hearns vs. Iran Barkley
A stunning upset decided by a sudden knockout.
On June 6, 1988, Thomas Hearns and Iran Barkley fought for the WBC middleweight title in a bout called Knockout Nite. The fight is famous for being a major upset and for its stunning, sudden conclusion.
Quick Facts
- Fight name
- Knockout Nite
- Fight date
- June 6, 1988
- Location
- Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
- Titles
- WBC middleweight title
- Result
- Barkley wins via 3rd-round KO
Facts from the source article.
Background
Thomas Hearns had become the first four-division world champion in boxing history by knocking out Juan Roldán on October 29, 1987, to capture the middleweight title. Iran Barkley became a top contender after a technical knockout victory over Michael Olajide on March 6, 1988. The fight was made official two weeks later, with Barkley entering as a 4–1 underdog having had only one prior title fight.
The fight
Hearns controlled the first two rounds, landing punches almost at will and winning both on all three scorecards. He opened a cut above Barkley's left eye in the first round, and by the end of the second Barkley had cuts above his right eye and lower lip. In round three, Barkley started quickly but Hearns took control with body shots. In the final minute, Hearns threw a left jab and briefly dropped his hands while moving left; Barkley caught him flush with a powerful right hand and landed another as Hearns fell. Hearns struggled to rise and barely answered the referee's 10-count. Allowed to continue, he was met with a barrage that sent him through the ropes, and referee Richard Steele stopped the fight at 2:39 of the round.
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