If Basilio were to face these 1980s Welter s,how's he fare ? Lloyd Honeyghan Simon Brown Mark Breland Maurice Blocker Marlon Starling ???
He`d beat all of them, Gavilan was better than these champs and Basilio pushed him all the way, he also beat Ray Robinson at middle, his CV is miles above these guys, although Starling gave Curry all he could handle, the version of Curry that Honeyghan met was nowhere near Basilio`s level. Above welter Basilio was far better than Brown and Blocker, Norris was awful in losing to Brown, then boxed his ears off in the rematch, Brown was very predictable in the ring and Basilio would have the savvy to take advantage of this. Breland failed at world class level and so did his chin, Basilio would have done far better vs Starling than Breland did. I feel Marlon would give Carmen the most trouble here with his peek a boo defense.
If it was SRL and Tommy Hearns, different story... even Don Curry at his peak might be interesting. But the guys mentioned here - I agree with @mark ant pretty much point for point - he'd beat 'em all and without much difficulty. Basilio's a top 15 WW imo and as tough as anyone whoever fought. Breland's heart would be ripped from him. Honeghan? Not much different from Breland. Blocker? Timber! Starling would probably do best. He was the smartest of this bunch. But if I had to pick one to watch, it would be Basilio v Brown. Brown was definitely tough so I can see that one being the most exciting but I'd still heavily favour Carmen. No-one at WW outtoughed Basilio.
Good thread ^. A tourney between the late 40's - early 50's WW's vs the 80's WW's would be a heck of a shootout. Shows exactly how strong an environment Basilio competed in.
Oh yes ,would love to see Bas up against Brown! Would be a war . Starling is awkward against most ,he'd be a possible test for any welterweight on his best day.Breland would be either stopped late or out pointed. Another war would love to see is Honeyghan straight in to Carmen !
