Olajide to Face Barkley June 6 in New York

Michael Olajide and Iran Barkley, who had been expected to fight for the vacant International Boxing Federation middleweight title last summer, will meet in a nationally televised 10-round bout June 6 at the Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden Boxing announced.

After their proposed title bout fell through, both men lost championship bids.

Olajide was knocked down twice and lost a 15-round unanimous decision to Frank Tate for the IBF middleweight title Oct. 10 at Las Vegas. Barkley tried for the vacant World Boxing Assn. 160-pound title and lost a 15-round unanimous decision to Sumblu Kalambay of Italy Oct. 22 at Legahorn, Italy.

Olajide, who was born in Liverpool, England, grew up in Canada and now lives in New York, has a 25-1 record, with 17 knockouts. He is ranked No. 1 by the IBF, No. 4 by the World Boxing Council and No. 5 by WBA.

Barclay, of New York, has a 22-5 record, with 13 knockouts. He is ranked No. 7 by the WBA, No. 8 by the WBC and No. 10 by the IBF.

The bout will be televised on NBC’s “SportsWorld.”