Layne has trouble with really physically fit fighters like Marciano and Arreola. Guys who really put everything into being as fit as a person possibly can be.
Chris at 250lbs had better and harder output than Layne at 200. And did that against better opponents.
Arreola got outboxed by Adamek and dropped a decision to Bermane stiverne of all people. I can’t think of a win he has worth mentioning aside from a washed up McCline. Rex was one of the best contenders in his era with wins over jersey Joe, satterfiel, and competitive fights with Ezzard Charles. Most his losses came after he rapidly declined from taking massive damage in wars. Size advantages only matters if your close to your opponent’s level, Arreola did nothing to suggest he’s close to layne.
Because Layne showed his superiority against 6-3 / 240 guys with GG championship, 200 amateur fights... Layne has zero physical advantage or skill advantages. He was a slow twitch farmboy, tough as nails, but no arsenal to back his spirit. Dempsey dumped him because Rex was too physically weak and refused to get stronger.
Unlike Arreola Layne beat quality opposition. Men much more skilled that hit harder. He has a lot more advantages but you’re so obsessed with weight and cant break down an actual boxing match. Arreola had terrible stamina was slow and easily hittable. There’s a reason why he was just a journeymen. While Layne was actually beating ranked men and ex champs.
Layne was doughy, weak slob. Tough as all get out with a fighting heart but none of the equipment to back it up. The bar was so low in that era that a Carl Froch size and type could have ruled it. It's pathetic that fanboys lay their salt on that stretch of time solely because some honkey ruled it for a couple years.
Arreola but Layne would do significantly better against Arreola than most HW's Arreola's size. This is a guy who lost to Stiverne twice. Layne could win some rounds. Marciano might be able to luck into beating Arreola. Layne's not as good as Marciano but he is closer to Arreola's size. The main obstacle for Layne was he was used to fighting in 10 rounders and more rounds does not favor him. Even in 10 rounders Layne's a guy who was trying to win the decision on the front end. If he couldn't knock an opponent out which he can't here. So Layne would have his moments then lose the fight probably by KO. If they fought 10 times Arreola wins 9 or 10 times but maybe like 6 of them are competitive. If you switch it to 10 rounds then maybe Layne wins 3 times out of 10. I do think Rex's best is probably better than Arreolas or Stivernes but being better doesn't matter if you can't maintain that long enough to get the win.
Layne got outboxed by Dave Whitlock 176lbs and 27-3-1 and held to a draw by Dale Hall 16-6-4,and Roy Walker18-7- 6. Competitive with Charles? His win is considered a robbery,and ,in his 2 losses to Charles,he was hammered . I'd pick Adamek to outbox Layne too.
Layne would have moments and make it a war but the size, power and durability of Arreola eventually overwhelm him.