How exactly do you see this fight unfolding? What does Langford do to neutralize the power-punching giant and pull this one out?
I can definately see Ruddock losing this. First off, he'll fight stupid like he always did. The other big thing he'd do is under prepare for a fight like this. He would not bother to get himself in top shape or top condition because he would not see this small guy as a threat. Trains about 4 days--half heartedly--and comes in rusty and heavy and enters the ring not sweated up. So, he does not have his A game. At best, his B game or more likely C game when he steps into the ring. That's how he loses. His brawn won't overcome brains.
You had my interest but I thought you were just getting started; you left out the best part: What happens once the underprepared Ruddock and the Terror step into the ring though?
Anyone that says Langford should be horsewhipped :bbb I don't buy the LEGEND of Langford being this super human light-heavyweight that could beat top ranked heavyweights,,,,,well let me restate, I don't buy that Langford could beat TODAYs top ranked heavyweights as successfully as he did in his ERA. If Ruddock fights smart he pulverizes Langford Ruddock was on the verge of being a superheavy. He was huge. He was fast handed for such a big guy. Plus his jaw was very good.
OK guys, I understand that what we are claiming for Langford can be hard to get your head round, so I am prepared to cut you some slack. Langford built his style around overcoming his physical limitations, and as a result of this, he became the most complete fighter the heavyweight division ever saw. He had everything going for him, except height. He could box, he could punch, he had superb footwork, brilliant ring generalship, a chin like an anvil, and an outstanding boxing brain. He was one of the best finishers that the heavyweight division ever produced, and I do not mean in a pound for pound sense. Against any sort of limited fighter, even a huge one, he would simply have had too many tools.
the most I will agree is "MAYBE" I don't believe the giants of Langfords era had the speed of Ruddock. I admit I could be wrong :deal Sure you can call me a idiot for saying so. Additionally, just because I believe that Ruddock is of better quality than those Langford defeated because of the speed factor,, I still don't claim that makes it impossible for Langford to win. Thus I am not saying Ruddock was too fast for Sammy. I am saying Ruddock is faster than the big dudes Sam faced and that would give Ruddock a advantage. Here is the thing, if we are saying little Sammy Langford can take out Ruddock then we are saying he would of been a TOP LEVEL guy in todays heavy weight seen as Ruddock was fighting Lewis and Tyson etc. I just cant see him being a top level guy at that weight, I know that the old timers HATE that. You really want me to offend you? Well I think there is evidence to suggest that todays fighters hit harder than yesterdays fighters. This being from the evolution of progression in human kind. Yes make fun of me if you must, the theory is that humans have been growing bigger, stronger and faster the last few centuries rather than vice versa or stagnant. I believe in this theory simply because I see so many examples of it in all sports including boxing. Ruddock could hit very hard and fast for a big guy. As I said, the most I will agree with you is MAYBE as by no means do I think what you're saying is "stupid", I just think its less likely :bbb
In the real world Langford got dominated by Wills and Johnson and then boxing moved on with greater participation in the 30s and 40s.
No he wasn't, Wills absolutely dominated him for near every second of their bouts bar some couragous come from behind KOs as did Jack Johnson Rudduck is much more skilled than Jack Johnson and probably Harry Wills. Rudduck is actually more skilled than Jack Johnson in every facet of boxing and he's quicker and obviously a much harder hitter.