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HBO presents

Iran "The Blade" Barkley
Former World Champion Boxer

October 14, 2000

Get in the ring with former world champion boxer Iran "The Blade" Barkley and read what he has to say about his sport and Boxers for Boxers, the organization Barkley is forming to aid and advise other boxers on issues such as insurance, choosing a good manager and managing finances.

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HBO: Welcome boxing fans to the online chat with former world champion Iran "The Blade" Barkley. "The Blade" is ready for all questions you have, so don't hold no blows, let's get ready to chat! Welcome, Iran!

Iran Barkley: Helllo! Hello to the world! I know that you all have been missing me very much, but I've been busy trying to get my organization together, Boxers for Boxers, and that's basically what I've been doing. Everyone that's willing to support it, it is to help other fighters that need insurance, education, management, advice about how to get the right managers and the right advice about promoters and trainers and financial advisers and stuff, as well as saving your money and how do you invest it, and things about what happens to fighters when the game is all over.

Curious George: How did you become interested in boxing and how did you get your start in the professional boxing arena?

Iran Barkley: Well, I was introduced to boxing by my sister and my cousin, and in the process of me being in the games and stuff, I was led to be this way to straighten up my life and make a way out for the game, so this is what I've basically concentrated on, and that's how I ended up in boxing.how I started.

Anne: How did you get the nickname "The Blade?"

Iran Barkley: Well, I got the name when I was in training camp with a former friend of mine that passed away named Davey Moore. When we were in training at Great Gorge, New Jersey his trainer was Bobby Maws, and he was trying to figure it out. I asked him, "I don't have a nickname, so what do I name myself?" And he said, "Iron Man," and I said, "Nah." Then he thought about it and he said what about "Blade? And it kind of stayed with me, so I took that name.

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