Both prime. How do you guys think that goes? I think Ray would win most of the first five rounds and Bratton most of the next five. In my opinion Bratton would tire and Ray would sweep 11-15. I think this would be very close. I don't normally like fantasy fights, but I thought this would have been a smoking fight. I will go out of character and post three more fantasy fights that I think are really good as well that I have never seen before.
I think Robinson would beat Bratton more comfortably than that, William. Robinson did everything Bratton could do but better. And I don't think Bratton's fragile jaw will hold up against the best boxer-puncher that ever lived. Either a lopsided points win with Bratton holding on at the end or a late rounds TKO for the Sugar man. Interesting matchup, though.
Robinson would have beaten Bratton to a pulp. As talented as Bratton was, and he was close to SRR stylistically, he didn’t have the power, chin, toughness, or dedication that SRR had. Everything Bratton could do SRR did much better. It’ll be like watching Mayweather vs Broner.
Robinson should be a heavy favourite, but I do think Bratton is being sold a bit short. I wouldn’t say Robinson was better at everything. Based on footage I’ve seen, at least, Bratton seemed a bit more nimble with his feet and upper body movement, and maybe a bit slicker. I could see him challenging Robinson in a more relaxed boxing match (like the one against Boddy Dykes). Robinson was far more of an offensive power-house, though, and would likely outwork his man to a decision if he doesn’t get the KO. Best case scenario, I could see him winning maybe 4-5 rounds. In a pier-six brawl, I think Robinson stops him.
Great fight between two of the smoothest and sweetest welterweights of their time. Bratton had a good chin, but a weak jaw. Robinson went the distance with Bobby Dykes at middleweight, whereas Bratton stopped him in a round. Robinson was able to beat Gavilan twice, while Bratton never managed to notch a win over the Kid. With both men at their best and assuming Sugar doesn't break Honey Boy's jaw, then I predict Robinson wins a competitive UD. I think Johnny's movement, hand speed and counter punching make the early and mid rounds highly competitive. Robinson focuses on breaking down Brattons body with fast combinations. Once the body work starts to have an affect on him, Bratton fades late and becomes a more stationary target he may end up taking a terrible beating for those last few rounds from Robinson, though I think he hangs in there and survives the distance (again, assuming he doesn't have his jaw broken.)
Robinson's record as a Welterweight is insane but also a bit deceptive. At his 147lb best very few could last the distance with him unless he permitted it which he sometimes did. So when you see guys like Fusari going the distance don't think it had anything to do with his boxing abilities. Agreements were made so Ray could get fights.
