Boxing legend Iran Barkley was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.
During an illustrious career stretching from 1982 to 1999, Barkley won major world titles at middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight.
GettyBarkley is a former three-weight world champion[/caption]
Along the way, he defeated Gerrie Coetzee, Darrin Van Horn, and Thomas Hearns (twice) while British boxing fans will remember him for his stunning one-round war with Nigel Benn in 1990.
But the 64-year-old is facing his biggest battle to date as he recovers from a stroke at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
On Saturday, promoter and close friend Lou DiBella posted the shocking news on social media: “Prayers up for a NYC boxing legend and a really, really, good guy, Iran Barkley, who’s now hospitalised following a stroke. Much love to the Blade.”
The news was met with an outpouring of support from the boxing world.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman tweeted: “Iran Barkley is in the hospital.
“I spoke with him and he’s in good spirits.
“The prayers of the global boxing family will be greatly appreciated and helpful. He has been a dear friend for many years.”
Former unified light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver added: “Praying for a full and speedy recovery for The Blade Iran Barkley.”
This was followed up by a positive update from veteran matchmaker Ron Katz, who took to social media to write: “Minor stroke, he does have heart issues.
“They did a bunch of tests, getting out of the hospital Monday or Tuesday.
Barkley fell upon hard times in retirement and became homeless in 2010 after facing financial difficulties.
He eventually received support from nonprofit organisations, which helped him find housing and get back on his feet.
Nowadays he residents in the Morrisania area of the South Bronx and is a trainer to young amateurs
He is also the great uncle to NFL superstar Saquon Barkley.
The Philidelphia Eagles’ running back was one of five MVP finalists and won Offensive Player of the Year in a stunning debut season with Nick Sirianni’s men that saw him scoop a Super Bowl and set a new NFL record for most rushing yards.
The younger Barkley previously spoke about his connection to boxing growing up.
“Boxing was forced onto me,” he told USA TODAY in 2017.
“I truly, truly, truly believe that if I didn’t I didn’t fall in love with football, I would’ve ended up being a boxer.”
