Another interesting matchup,Ill stick my neck out and say Gibbons nicks it on points ,he was the more natural 175 pounder,it would be a master class in boxing ,feinting and countering,one for the aficionados,I suspect many would go for Burley ,and with most of your matchups ,youcan make a plausible case for either man,Ill be interested in the other replies.
Gibbons wins;McVey is on the right lines. Burley wouldn't be a push over for any man but a truly great scientific boxer who is also a good deal bigger is exactly what you don't want to see in the ring with him. I love Burley but I think he could struggle against anyone of this class at 175. The combination of class and size is too much. Be a good fight though. Gibbons on points.
Burley spent his entire career at welter and middleweight. I don't know who got the idea he was ever a lightheavyweight. Check his weights at boxrec. Gibbons was a lightheavy and often fought in the 180's. I would have to go with him because of size. If the fight was with both men at middle, it would be a toss-up.
He tackled a few guys at 175 and what would now be 168 though. "Over the limit" MW encounters. I think the match up is valid, although unless you're after something specific, I do think it's better made at 160.
