how do you explain that Lamotta was able to beat SRR that one time?

Well obviously Burley, but also Eddie Booker and fights with Cocoa Kid, 160lb versions of Charles, Moore, Bivins would all be interesting affairs. An early fight with Williams too would have likely been more interesting

Your right in terms of good boxing management it made sense to keep Lamotta away from some of these and the fact he fought a few gives him kudos

 

Burley was clearly worthy of a shot at Fritzie Zivic for the welterweight title by virtue of having won the last two fights of their three bout rivalry in 1938 and 1939. Fritzie was behind Charley in the rankings, yet got the opportunity to dethrone Armstrong. If Hank had managed to beat Zivic back, then maybe Burley would have come up to the plate. Armstrong versus Burley for the crown at 147 is one of the most compelling fantasy matches which should have taken place in reality.