Iran Barkley is a retired American professional boxer who held world titles at middleweight (1988–89), super middleweight (1992) and light heavyweight (1992). Among the many highlights of his up-and-down career are his two victories over the legendary Thomas Hearns.

Barkley returned in 1988 with a split decision over Sanderline Williams and a fifth round stoppage of Michael Olajide, before winning the WBC middleweight championship with a third round knockout of Thomas Hearns, voted 1988 Upset of the Year by Ring magazine.

In his next fight, Barkley lost his title via split decision in a 12 round war with Roberto Durán, in a fight proclaimed 1989 Fight of the Year by Ring Magazine. Following the defeat to Duran, Barkley took on undefeated Michael Nunn for the IBF middleweight title, dropping a close majority decision. He next fought Nigel Benn in a challenge for the WBO middleweight title and was stopped on the three knockdown rule at the end of a wild first round in which both fighters were hurt.