If Langford Had Stayed at 175 Where Would He Rate?

Who would he be fighting at 175 lbs during his time?

 

At this time LHW was such a backwater, a stopping point between MW and HW, and in some parts not even really considered a real class that its almost a moot point.

 

More interesting topic, what if Packey McFarland knew that he'd never get a title shot at lightweight and moved up to welterweight, say, in 1909 or 1910. Would he be ranked among the best welterweights in history? At least the choice of possible opponents would be greater than in Langford's 175 lbs case.

 

Sam Langford and Tommy Burns could both have clained the LHW title, but they didn't even think it worth their while to bother.

I think it would have been an unsustainable career choice at the time.

 

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You mean even more highly regarded now ?

 

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He's probably already regarded as one of the best lhw fighters in history anyways.

The reality is though the division was barely recognised so Philly never really had to put his belt on the line.had he done so there's no given that Langford could beat him. Had he beaten him there's no given that he wouldn't get blinded by richness and draw the colour line himself.

For those ranking on things like resume it makes a difference I guess, but for me nothing really changes.