Charley Burley was indeed a great fighter. It's a crime that we don't have more footage of him or of Ray Robinson at 147. It seems very sinister that these great fighters were not filmed. It's our loss.
Roy Jones Jr.: The mild hint of Burley that we have available tells me that he would have been a handfull for many great fighters. However, I think his best chance for a win against Roy, would come at 160. Though Burley fought bigger fighters, he did so because he had no choice. At 175, Jones would be just a bit too skilled and quick, even for Burley. Roy has a slight edge at 160 and a clear edge at 175.
Hopkins was smart at 160 but Burley's speed and style would give him trouble. Burley wins on points at 160.
Hopkins returns the trick at 175. He carried the weight better and fought for the right reasons.
Marvin Hagler: Much as we love Hagler as the perfect middleweight, he did have his share of trouble against mobile boxers. Burley makes Hagler look foolish in the beginning of the fight. Hagler comes on in the late rounds.
Hagler W15 split.
Monzon also had his share of trouble against mobil boxers. In Argentine, where Carlos fought about 80% of his opponents, he has the edge. Anywhere else, I look for Burley in the upset.
Burley W15 Split
Robinson: I never bought into the saying that Robinson ducked Burley. The problem is that Ray often had to fight weekly, not every few months. From a business stand point, there was no reason for Robinson to fight Burley. It's almost like Leonard and Aaron Pryor. Business took precidence. Barley would have been tough for Robinson but I see the Sugar man coming out on top.
Robinson W 15
Leonard: It's possible that Ray could take a points win at 147. I think these two are so close that they would trade close fights. Burley takes a close one at 154, where he is closer to natural.
Tunney: Tunney might be a bit too big for Burley at or above 175. Also, his foot work would present problems for Burley.
Tunney W15 split
Armstrong: I think, despite that he did win a few at 160, Burley would carry the weight much better than would Armstrong. Also Armstrong is too aggressive for his own good.
Burley by TKO in 14.
Greb: Harry would get in close and stay there. He would be too aggressive and would keep the fight up close and take a points win.
Greb W 15
Hearns: Burley would have enough to stop Hearns at 147. Hearns comes close to returning the favor at 160 but has to settle for a points win.
LaMotta is one who openly ducked Burley. I think Burley would beat him in a way similar to Robinson's win for the middleweight title.
Duran: Funny that Burley stops Hearns at 147. Duran performs better but loses a close points fight.