Darrin Van Horn

Who is Darrin Van Horn?

Darrin Van Horn is a retired professional boxer. He was a world champion in two weight divisions.

Van Horn turned professional in 1984, just five days before his 16th birthday. He was given the nickname "Schoolboy" early in his pro career because he turned professional as a junior in high school.

After 39 consecutive wins, Van Horn defeated Robert Hines to win the IBF Junior Middleweight Title on February 5, 1989. Van Horn lost the title in his first defense to the former WBC Super Welterweight Champion Gianfranco Rosi by a unanimous decision on July 15, 1989.

Van Horn won his next five fights and then had a rematch with Rosi in an attempt to regain the title. Their rematch took place on July 21, 1990, and although Van Horn put up a better effort, Rosi again won by a unanimous decision.

Van Horn moved up in weight and won the IBF Super Middleweight Title with an 11th-round knockout of Lindell Holmes on May 18, 1991. In his first title defense, he knocked out John Jarvis in the third round.

On January 10, 1992, Van Horn defended the title against Iran Barkley, the former four time world champion. Barkley wobbled Van Horn with a left hook early in the first round. In the second round, Barkley knocked him down three times, and the referee stopped the fight.