Willard was able to hop over Langford for a shot at Johnson. He claimed his immaculate record (which was not so impressive or immaculate) had earned him the shot over Langford. But what if he had to face the much more experienced Langford. As always, it's hard to read into Sam's results too much as he fought at least 17 times in 1914. He beat Jim Johnson, Wills, Gunboat Smith, Jeanette that year but also lost to a couple of them. Against common opponents (Tom McMahon) Langford had a much more impressive outing, stopping him in 6 while Willard lost a decision as a late sub. Who wins?
I'll take Langford by UD over 10/12. It'd probably be a very boring passive fight which sees Langford hit more often and more cleanly Many forget that Willard was also a huge puncher.
Langford is an ATG, but he does get mythologised. And Willard of the Dempsey fight was coming off a long layoff, and ancient. in 1914, Langford didn't KO Battling Jim Johnson in 3 fights, yet people seem to think he's a cert to put in a destructive KO against Willard.
come on guys……...we all know langford probably left more Talent in the toilet every time he took a **** than willard ever had, but just look at the stats: 5´7 vs 6´6, 160 Pounds vs 250...…..and willard was tough as nails and a Pretty good Wrestler. i think willard would push, wrestle and maul the much smaller man for a wide UD!
Don't see Sam KOing the Willard of the Johnson fight. In fact, I see him potentially losing that fight if it's schedule for a long distance. Short distance fight, sure, Sam likely wins
If only dudes like Harry Wills (6'2" 210lbs), Bill Tate (6'6" 230lbs) and Battling Jim Johnson (6'3" 224lbs) knew how to do that! Oh wait, they tried. It just didn't work
http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/johnson-battling-jim.htm I know google lists him as 5'11" and boxrec lists him as 5'9", but most write ups on him at the time list him as a very large man, even for a heavyweight. 6'3" makes the most sense in that case A picture of him next to someone would help greatly, but I've yet to run across one
Wait I thought size was everything? 11 inch and almost 100 pound weight advantage. I don’t know enough about these two admittedly other then by reputation Sam wins.
