Charley Burley

[RightCross94]

you say burley was denied a title shot because he was black, but there were many other black champions in this era, why was burley singled out?

[JAB5239]

you say burley was denied a title shot because he was black, but there were many other black champions in this era, why was burley singled out?

I don't think Burley was specificly shut out because he was black, but more so because he didn't have the right connections. I just bought the book "Charley Burley and the black murderers row" so Im sure I'll find more information on this when I read it.

[sugarshanenas]

There is indeed truth in it. Some say Robinson avoided a showdown with Burley in 1940's. But Robinson wasn't on his own in avoding a showdown with Burley. Billy Conn's(Team), Jake Lamotta, and Tony Zale were also all of belived to of ducked Burley.

As the saying goes ''Charley Burley was to good for his own good''

"What do I need Burley for when I have Zivic? - LaMotta
Plus why would LaMotta be afraid of Burley if he also fought Holman Williams,Lloyd Marshall, and Bert Lytell....

[Thread Stealer]

you say burley was denied a title shot because he was black, but there were many other black champions in this era, why was burley singled out?

He wasn't necessarily singled out. Some top black fighters never got title shots, some got title shots after waiting a long time.

It took forever for Archie Moore to get one, it took a move to heavyweight for Ezzard Charles to get one, took Ray Robinson pretty long to get one.

While others like Burley, Holman Williams, Eddie Booker, Lloyd Marshall, and Jimmy Bivins never did, although the last two fought for the "Duration" title, which I believe is "hold this belt until the champ gets back from World War 2"

[black.ink]

Burley is my favorite old time fighter from that era. Wish their was more footage of him, he was brilliant.

Why is he your favourite old-time fighter if there is hardly no footage of him? Surely you base your favourite fighters with what you see with your eyes?

[Southpaw16BF]

you say burley was denied a title shot because he was black, but there were many other black champions in this era, why was burley singled out?

There were many others black fighters who gained title shots but not ''All'' Burley wasn't on his own, Holman Williams never recieved a shot at the title, Jimmy Bivins never recieved a legit shot at the title, Lloyd Marshall was never a granted a chance to fight for a world title, and lots others.

Ezzard Charles could never fight for the Light Heavyweight Title, do he is considered the best LHW of all time.

Archie Moore didn't fight for the LHW crown until 36 years of age, and was denied chances to fight for titles years.
When he won his title, he didn't wanted to be lifted up etc as he said this should of happened 12 years ago.

But like anything you did get exceptions, as yes some black fighters got there chance and sadly other great fighters never.

[warp1432]

Why is he your favourite old-time fighter if there is hardly no footage of him? Surely you base your favourite fighters with what you see with your eyes?

Based off the 20 minute footage of him, you get a great sense of his style and I just loved the way he fought. Much more so then Robinson, even though I love watching him fight too.

There may not be much footage, but he really impresses me.

[cotto16]

Based off the 20 minute footage of him, you get a great sense of his style and I just loved the way he fought. Much more so then Robinson, even though I love watching him fight too.

There may not be much footage, but he really impresses me.

There vey little footage of stanley ketchel, and he is alo one of my favouite fighters

[GJC]

Don't think La Motta ducked Burley, not saying he would beat him but I can't see that he ducked him. Think the colour thing had a bit to do with it obviously but don't forget La Motta pretty much had the same problems getting a title shot. Some fighters just get avoided. Maybe the fight was in neither's interests re progressing their careers?
Zale was the champion in an era with a lot of strong middleweights . He put the title on ice for the war plus I don't think he fought the quality of opponents he could given the era.