Alex and Agnew Burlie 1905 - 1962

Canadian Boxers

In the early 20th century, Cabbagetown was a rough place. This may give us a clue as to why so many Cabbagetowners excelled at boxing. Let’s just think Albert ‘Frenchy’ Bélanger and Larry Gains.

We’re adding two more to the list. Two brothers, Alex and Agnew Burlie, were born in Dundee, Scotland, in a family of six children born to John Matthew Burlie and Mary Fletcher Burlie. The family emigrated to Canada in 1907. They lived on Dundas Street, across from St. Bartholomew’s Church. Their house was demolished to make way to Regent Park.

Despite the Great Depression and World War II, the brothers became two of Canada’s foremost amateur boxers of the 1920’s. This was at a time when the dreams of so many athletes were put on hold. Both competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Alexander Burlie 1905-1962

At an early age he represented Canada in the Flyweight Division at the 1924 Olympic games. He turned pro that year and ultimately became Canadian Profession Flyweight Champion. He had the reputation of being a very good boxer, both fast, bright and an excellent counter puncher.

Alex was beaten by Frenchy Bélanger in May 1925.

Unfortunately poor timing for his career and an unlucky beating by Newsboy Brown in 1927 sent him into a brief voluntary retirement. He returned to boxing, but at the time his promoters’ were more interested in flyweight boxer Frenchy Bélanger.

In 1929 Alex retired from boxing and he went to work at Rapid Grip and Batten Metal Engraving. During this time he taught the well-known Canadian writer Jack Batten to box.

Alex married Ethel Clair Geddes and they had one child. It is believed that he had a heart attack and died at the age of 57.

Agnew Burlie 1906-1952

Agnew competed in the men’s featherweight competition at the 1924 Olympics.

Agnew had a successful career as a featherweight boxer. For several years, he was the Canadian national champion in the featherweight category.