Thomas Hitman Hearns Interview: Iran Barkley 3 Challenge Accepted at Five Rounds
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
*Photo Credit: Brad Snyder / The Undercard
In a Real Combat Media international exclusive ringside interview in Detroit, Michigan, on Saturday evening, February 6, 2015, at the Detroit Masonic Temple, the multi division boxing champion known as the ‘Motor City Cobra’, Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns, has accepted the callout challenge of a third and final rubber match between him and Iran ‘The Blade’ Barkley in the near future. Hearns, who lost the first two bouts with Barkley, would like to finish his long and distinguished career with a win over Barkley.
According to Hearns, both fighters would complete and pass comprehensive medicals, and only go forward with commission approval before such a bout were held anywhere in the United States. Hearns stated the bout would be for five rounds only, and no more than that, and would be five of the best rounds ever fought in boxing history. The bout, if held, would probably be the final bout for both of these aging world champion warriors.
Robert Brizel: “Iran Barkley wants a third and final match with you. Barkley says you are afraid of him.”
Thomas Hearns: “I’m not the one challenging Iran. Iran is challenging me. It sounds great! If Iran wants it, I accept his challenge for a third bout between us.”
Robert Brizel: “How many rounds would your third bout with Barkley be?”
Thomas Hearns: “If they (a boxing commission approves it), it will not be more than a five round fight and (it will be) The best five rounds in (boxing) history.”
Robert Brizel: Iran is serious about fighting you a third time. Are you serious?”
Thoams Hearns: “I’m dead serious. I will knock out Iran Barkley cold.”
Robert Brizel: “Iran Barkley says he would fight you at cruiserweight (185 to 200 pounds). Are you in agreement?”
Thomas Hearns: “I would do cruiserweight.”
Reader’s Note: State of Michigan Athletic Commission rules require two professional boxers who fight each other can have no more than a seven pound weight difference between each other at the weigh-in. Other states have no such rule.
Robert Brizel: “Will Iran last the full five rounds against you?”
Thomas Hearns: “I have to take out (knock out) Iran early.”
Robert Brizel: “Will you take out Barkley early?”
Thomas Hearns: “It’s the only way to fight him.
Robert Brizel: “Hitman, how’s your mental and physical condition today?”
Thomas Hearns: “Good. I’m back. I’m in really good shape.”
Robert Brizel: “Barkley sends you a message, that you are afraid of him.”
Thomas Hearns: “Iran Barkley is afraid of me. I will have Barley shaking in his boots right now! Barley is scared of me! Considering how many punches he (Barkley) has taken (in his career), I don’t think he can take as many punches as he used to. I will knock Iran Barkley out cold!”
Robert Brizel: “Do you think Iran Barkley has a big mouth to call you out and make statements now, at this point in the game?”
Thomas Hearns: “Iran is good. He’s a nice guy. I have no problem with Iran.”
Robert Brizel: “What would you do differently when you fight Barkley for the third time?”
Thomas Hearns: “I will stop Iran and win the fight!”
Robert Brizel: “Hitman, do you want the chance to prove yourself against Barkley?”
Thomas Hearns: “Prove myself? Barkley needs to prove himself. How many times was he a world champion? I am seven times a world champion. I have nothing to prove. He has something to prove. He might have trouble this time. Don’t make me do it, Iran. I will knock Barkley out cold.”
Robert Brizel: “Would your third and final bout with Iran Barkley be held in Detroit?”
Thomas Hearns: “I love Detroit. Detroit loves me! We love each other.”
Robert Brizel: “If not Detroit, Michigan, where would you fight Iran Barkley?”
Thomas Hearns: “It depends on the purse. When money gets involved, we will talk. Put the money up, we’ll talk about it. As far as the where and when goes, put the purse money up (first), and then we can discuss the rest. Not before.”
Robert Brizel: “Would your five round bout with Iran Barkley be your last fight?”
Thomas Hearns: “I’m not looking to fight again. Money starts the process.”
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