Michael Nunn vs. Iran Barkley, billed as Thunder in the Night, was a professional boxing match contested on August 14, 1989, for the IBF middleweight title.

[3] With Durán moving on to face Sugar Ray Leonard for a third time later in the year, Barkley would instead agree the challenge the undefeated IBF middleweight champion Michael Nunn.

The confident Nunn derided his opponent, stating that Barkley had the "IQ of an onion" and insultingly nicknaming him "Bark-Bark."

[5] Using his boxing skills and superior quickness, Nunn kept his distance from the hard-hitting Barkley for most of the fight, but did just enough to earn a close majority decision victory.

[8] For his next bout, Nunn had reached tentative plans to defend his title against Thomas Hearns.