CreditHilary Swift for The New York Times
The comeback of Iran Barkley began five years ago at a nightclub in the South Bronx, a short jog from the gang-infested neighborhood where he first learned to use his fists. It was a skill that would eventually help him earn three world boxing titles and what he estimated to be more than $5 million.
Seated across the bar that February evening in 2010 was Pamela Graham, a widow from Brooklyn with five children whose interests did not include sports.
“A friend of mine said, ‘Hey, the champ is staring at you,’” Ms.