Sam Langford VS. Joe Louis

Yes. The two most readily available films are his fights against Fireman Flynn and Bill Lang. Unfortunately the quality of the Flynn fight is poor and doesn't tell much, while the Lang film disintegrates after a while.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SvbTck039Y[/ame]

 

Moyle's book 'Sam Langford: Boxing's Greatest Uncrowned Champion' has a story about Sam inspecting his gloves after the Lang fight and finding that, instead of being filled with horse hair, they were stuffed with rabbit fur.

 

I've never heard of Blackburn saying this before either. I don't know you to doubt you, but I would like a source as confirmation.

 

I would have to go with Louis here, Langford is an ATG but Louis at his best would win.

 

this fight would be a classic. langford was a stalker and i don't know how long he would be able to stand up under louis' assault. from what we know, langford could take a hell of a shot but no one punched like joe. if langford could take joe's power shots he might have a chance to stop him. langford was an incredible puncher as well.

 

"I've never heard of Blackburn saying this before either. I don't know you to doubt you, but I would like a source as confirmation."

I don't recall running across that in my research either. However, what I did come across and mention on page 376 of my book was a statement that after Louis retained his heavyweight title with a tough 15-round decision over Tommy Farr, in August of 1937, Blackburn told reporters he thought that Negro fighters never really find themselves until they are past age twenty-five. He figured Louis was at least two years away from his peak, and by that time he said, "he would have Joe in Langford's class."

I see I failed to note the source for that quote. I'm sure I've got it in my Langford files though. Blackburn thought very highly of Langford. The two fought a number of times in 1903-05 when Langford was not yet in his twenties and still fighing in the lighter weight classes.

 

I appreciate the info, thank you.

I can understand Blackburn saying this (the bold quote) but thats a far cry from claiming a Langford victory.

You will have to forgive me but could you tell me what book is yours?

Never mind, I just looked you up by going to your profile page than samlangforddotcom. I'll be looking forward to reading your book and appreciate getting info from someone so well informed.

 

Sam Langford has a puncher's chance, but beyond that I can't see any result other than Joe Louis winning.

 

I'm glad that's cleared up.

 

Jab5239 have read Clay's book on Langford a number of times and can confirm it is outstanding and well worth a read

 

Yes. I have seen Langford vs. Hauge, Lang, and Flynn. He was a great fighter. This is a very dangerous fight for Louis.

Sam not only had good skills. He hit hard. He had a fantastic chin. Pound for pound type of strength. A great fighting heart. Stamina to fight all night. Sam was a thinker in the ring, and had a swarmer type of style. Do not discount the style match up here as Louis himself said he did not like to be crowded.

Louis today is rated much higher then he was in the from 1900-1960. I guess a dozen or so classic Ko's can do that for a fighter, but back in the day many thought he was easy to hit, slow with his feet, and not the smartest guys in the world...things today that stick out on film if you can get past the mostly below average opposition, and the high light KO's.

Jack Johnson, Harry Wills, and most historians who saw Louis during the time lines of 1900-1960 did not feel he was a top 3 TAG. It makes you wonder if the old timers were much better than they were given credit for.

 

Translation: I don't have one, I'm a clown.

 

Langford would have his moments but Louis would beat him by brutal KO IMO.

 

I don't know who was watching this Louis guy fight as a pro from 1900-1933 but it wasn't "Joe" Louis they were watching!?!

Anyway, on Louis' way up some saw imperfections in his game but by the time he retired he was looked at as the best ever at HW by many people. Thinking Louis is great is not something that started after 1960.