Langford was formidable at any weight, but he was a particularly small heavyweight. This didn't stop him from beating most heavyweights, but it clearly wasn't his prime division. That being said; who do you think is the best heavyweight Langford could beat?
I think, with his style, Sam Langford could have dished out a defeat to Gene Tunney, among others. (I asked him, and my Grandfather gave me that one. And I agree with him.)
He could probably beat anyone south of Lennox Lewis. I dont see him beating Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano or Larry Holmes either. Joe Louis was chinny so there is a possibility there. The problem with people like him is no highlights on you tube so its hard to analyze.
People who saw him from ringside, and some who fought him, sometimes picked him over Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, and Sonny Liston. Depending upon whose interpretation you like, he might have a very high ceiling in this regard.
Lennox Lewis might just be the answer to this question, because he would only need to make one mistake.
He beats Max Baer, he beats Braddock, beats Schmelling, probably draws with Marciano and he beats Quarry
Im not sure about the best. Harry Wills is my #13 HW of all time based on how each did relative to the evolution of their own era and Sam beat him, albeit pre-peak versions, twice. Langford vs my #14, Jack Dempsey, prime for prime, would be a great fight id give him a real chance in, if not quite make Sam the favourite.
While I don't particularly like Sam's chances against those 3, he would surely be a problem for any similarly skilled pure boxer to face. Jim Corbett, Gene Tunney, Jack Sharkey, Jimmy Braddock, Jimmy Ellis, and those kinds of fighters would certainly have had their hands full with Sam. i.e. Sam Langford's style would be hard to hold off with pure boxing skills. And Sam was very good with his pressure style.
That would be a barn burner of a fight, no doubt! Sam definitely has a chance against Jack. I want a ringside seat for that one!
