how would you describe Sam Langford's style?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Big N Bad, Dec 29, 2007.


  1. Big N Bad

    Big N Bad Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,990
    12
    Nov 29, 2007
    i know he was a boxer-puncher but whom would you like to compare him to.
    from the fights i have seen, he has his left hand low, sometimes using a battering jab, fast combos, not stubborn about always coming forward, but he was very aggressive. had good head movement.

    he reminds me off a mix if dempsey and a hardhitting james toney in style. the way he moves on his toes, left hand low, right up high, stalking his prey.

    i like the way when bigger men try slugging with him, he simply bangs whilst on the back foot, picking his shots nicely and usually it dont last long, they either out cold or down, or running away.

    whats your opinions?
    and are there only 2 or 3 fights off him recorded?

    thanks!:good
     
  2. timmers612

    timmers612 Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,018
    415
    Sep 25, 2005
    I've seen the films you have also and he reminded me alot of Tyson. His fast sharp footwork suprised me and unlike the reports of most fighters of his day he through punches in combination. And every punch this guy through was with bad intentions.
     
  3. Big N Bad

    Big N Bad Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,990
    12
    Nov 29, 2007
    yeah i agree.

    he also seems calm, fights alot like toney and at times like dempsey. i wish there was more tapes on him, n i hope someone can explain his style. i know he was put on the back foot against henry wills.
     
  4. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

    10,974
    5,412
    Feb 10, 2013
    Ive always termed Tyson an aggressive counter puncher because he moves forward but waits for the other guy to lead before countering after making the guy miss with head movement. Langford fights very similar.
     
  5. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,546
    47,086
    Mar 21, 2007
    Yeah, he's a pressure-counter-puncher if i had to sum it up. Put the pressure on, force some sort of commitment, then hit.
     
  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,546
    47,086
    Mar 21, 2007
    His opponents have only one thing in common so far as I can see - they are terrified. Never seen anything like it tbh. Ever.
     
  7. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,421
    26,891
    Feb 15, 2006
    That is pretty much the first thing that came to my mind!
     
  8. Webbiano

    Webbiano Boxing Junkie Full Member

    9,479
    2,384
    Nov 6, 2011
    Surprised Langford and Ketchel haven't been mentioned. From articles and reports they certainly deserve to be in this discussion
     
  9. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

    60,510
    44,358
    Feb 11, 2005
    All good comments. He does combine some of the best of Toney and Dempsey, a little Tyson.

    Now, let's talk about the flaws you can see in the footage of Sam.
     
  10. Baby-Faced Bum

    Baby-Faced Bum Member Full Member

    195
    0
    Feb 6, 2015
    I was reading Sam trained at a lumber camp. He sure did own a hefty pair of shoulders. Must of hit like a truck.