Rex Layne v Today's Heavies?

He'd do okay, I guess.
About the same as he did in his day.

 

Layne is exactly the kind of fighter who could benefit from the myriad of weight classes and titles today. He would be a pretty sure bet to pick up a strap at cruiserweight for example. I don't think Wlad would want him holding a belt at heavyweight though!

 

I agree.

He would be an exceptional cruiserweight and possibly hold a belt at that weight.

 

We wouldn't even know his name.

 

he would be a minor champ like Chagaev

 

I agree ..

 

Come on, we know a lot of heavyweights names.

 

At Cruiserweight, he would be a belt holder. Seamus and He, The guy beat Jersey Joe Walcott and Ezzard Charles for chrissakes.

 

At cruiser he may be around although I doubt he'd be a champ .. the Charles he rubber matched w was not vintage and he likely lost all three fights although he got a razor thin decision .. Beating Walcott seems to have been his biggest win but let's face it, Joe was inconsistent, is know almost exclusively for his losses and was not a young guy when he fought Layne .. I was initially responding as a heavyweight ..

 

Chavaev looks much better on film. I think there is a gulf between them.

 

I guess that doesn't speak particularly well for the era.

 

He would be greatly undersized against most guys, I can see Layne beating someone like Stiverne though.