Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
A billion to one boxing meeting happened this week in Delaware between two former elite American middleweight boxers. Iran “The Blade” Barkley and Dave “TNT” Tiberi crossed paths and recognized each other in an aisle of a Walmart store.
“I stopped by Walmart in New Castle, Delaware and I ran into my friend former World Middleweight Boxing Champion Iran Barkley. He is in town visiting his sister. Iran is the uncle of Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley.
This has to be the most Twilight Zone sports moment since two world renowned tennis pros Marcelo Rios and Kei Nishikori discovered they were next-door neighbors while both were walking their dogs on the street they live in on Bayshore Drive in Sarasota, FL.
Tiberi and Barkley never fought each other professionally but they did have a common foe in James “Lights Out” Toney.
Dave Tiberi challenged IBF Middleweight champion James Toney on February 8, 1992 in Atlantic City but lost a very controversial split decision (Toney admitted 17 years later he knows he did not win the fight). There was no betting line on the fight. The bout was broadcast by ABC on a Saturday afternoon with future President Donald Trump seated at ringside at the Trump Taj Mahal Marc Etess Arena. It would be the final pro fight of Tiberi’s career, which began in 1985 and concluded with a final ring record of 22-3 with seven KOs.
One year later in February 1993, Barkley attempted to defend his IBF Super Middleweight title vs Toney in Las Vegas but could not continue after round nine due to swelling around both eyes.
Barkley competed from 1982-1999 and was the former WBC Middleweight, IBF Super Middleweight and WBA Light Heavyweight champion. The Blade beat Thomas Hearns for his first title in 1988.
Saquon Barkley and his Eagles will play the New York Giants this Sunday in Philadelphia.
