Iran Barkley Interrupts Thomas Hearns Winning Streak With TKO – June 6, 1988 (This Day In Boxing History)

Iran Barkley scored one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

On June 6, 1988, Barkley overcame the odds in the third round and nailed Thomas Hearns with a big right hand that put Hearns flat on his back. Hearns struggled to get back up, forcing referee Richard Steele to wave off the fight.

Hearns controlled the first two rounds of the non-title fight in front of a crowd of 8,541.

But it was in the third that Barkley pounced back, despite bleeding from cuts above both eyes and his lower lip.

Barkley’s knockout was named The Ring’s Upset of the Year for 1988.