Charley Burley Vs Sugar Ray Robinson

Ive had a look at this 1 before. I have always said that to have a prayer against Robinson you must attack him. And im just not sure if Burley is attack-minded enough here. However, if Burley knocks him down before the mid-point with that booming right, i could see him putting effective pressure on behind the jab, and then he has a chance of getting a decision imo.

In a boxing match, Burley definitely has a chance, but i would see Robinson edging this one with the blistering attacks and boxing at times to get it.

 

SRR clear cut decision.

 

Charley Burley was one of the greatest Welterweights ever - Top 10 easy.

Sugar Ray Robinson at 147, is arguably the greatest fighter in the history of the sport (Duran at 135 is maybe the only one better).

Burley had the ability to work the body and hurt fighters with his reach, and against most WW's he probably would, but Robinson was virtually impossible to touch with the necessary consistency to slow him down at 147.

Burley has enough ring generalship to get to Robinson more often than most would, but it still wouldn't be enough to offset Robinson's work rate and equal ability to give punishment back twofold.

Robinson - UD
(10 rds: 7-3)
(12 rds: 8-4)
(15 rds: 10-5)

 

Robby saying that he was too pretty to fight Burley is not the same as thinking that Charley would defeat him. Watching the 28 year old Burley outfence Oakland Billy Smith in their rematch, and considering the success Ezzard Charles had with him, Ray was perfectly capable of securing a clean decision win. However, Robby was justified in his concern for his visage. In this one, he'd have no choice but to risk a bloody face if he was serious about winning.

I looked at both Burley/Smith II and Robinson/Fusari while preparing this. Ray's height and reach advantage over Burley were comparable to what Charles enjoyed. Against Fusari, Robby advanced well, coming forward with effective and measured aggression in dealing with a very tough and smart boxing experienced challenger. (How many welterweights could get the best of Graziano over nine rounds while giving away a dozen pounds in weight?) Robinson could be more of an effective stalker with his firepower at 147, not needing to draw opponents in for applying knockout force.

While dealing with Burley, Ray ought not to get into a cautious chess match, trading punch for individual punch. He'd be best advised to circle aggressively to his left, moving in behind his jab, then unleash those multiple hooks to the body and head once Charley was induced into retreating on his back foot. Getting into punch for punch exchanges with Burley could backfire, as he demonstrated with Smith. Subjecting him to triple hook type combinations might prove more efficacious in forcing him into a defensive shell. Punctuate those hooks with diversionary rights to the body. Mostly though, keep Charley occupied with defending those hooks.

Robinson's combination punching and higher workrate would be the key to his success. Speed looks comparable between the two, and excellent power is also shared. Ray's flash could give him a tremendous points scoring advantage.


Burley would need to slow down the action. Make Robinson think too much, and become tentative. Get underneath Ray, work the body, then get back out before Robinson could retaliate much. Get Robby to respect and beware of his potency. Clinch whenever Ray moves in to smother his attack. Ring generalship would be crucial to Charley's chances.

For my money, teeto's analysis is pretty accurate. Ultimately, this is won by initiative, and Robby has the edge here. An exchange of knockdowns is not out of the question, but this one definitely goes the distance. Robinson takes the UD, along with some stitches.

 

Burley was a great fighter and could give Robinson some competition but SRR was the greatest, he would have won

 

Good analysis (and not just the part that said you agree with mine!)