Fitzsimmons gave up 39lb to Jeffries. Langford only gave up 29lb to Johnson

The main point to consider is that Fitzsimmons was probably the best heavyweight in the world, apart from Jeffries himself.

 

Uhh, no...

 

At this stage we would probably have to credit Burns as being better, even in hindsight, based on his deeper heavyweight resume.

McVea would also have been a better heavyweight at this point, as he had beaten some top guys.

Langford was 1-1 against Jeanette at this stage, meaning that they were probably on a par, and neither was really a force in the division yet.

 

Even Hart was probably better based on the fact that the year earlier he was more competetive with Johnson than Langford was. What exactly had a 160 pound Langford accomplished at HW to really be considered one of the best HWs in the world. I find that assertion puzzling.

 

Sam was only 20 a the time and had limited experience in the upper weights.

Fitz was the heavyweight champion. Huge difference.

The heavier your are the less the disparity in weight matters.

 

I dont know why. Especially against a guy who didnt outweigh him Burns would have been a tough proposition. He was a very good little fighter. What had Jeanette done at HW in 1905/6?? His only marquee wins were over Langford (a MW) and Johnson by controversial DQ. You are only blowing up Langford and Jeanette based on hindsight. At the time they had done nothing in the division. Burns was considered by many to be the champion and had gotten there based on some high profile wins.

 

the amount of discussion on this forum in recent months re littler men fighting bigger men and the focus so extremely lost on weight...

do the smaller men a justice for God's sake... giving weight to bigger men is bad enough especially when it gets into double figures 15, 20, 30 odd pounds... of course there a consideration and a need to discuss.

BUT that's only half the problem for the smaller fighter, the MAIN Disparity IS the HEIGHT and Reach added onto and into such affairs.

Stop focusing on weight like a HEIGHT advantage never existed or mattered, it IS the greater disparity!!!

Fitz to Jeffries, close enough in height & reach, Langford to Johnson, a MASSIVE Difference and OUTCOME Reality... 99% of the time or more for the MUCH BIGGER Fighter(s).

do the men a justice and INCLUDE Height & Reach into your historical fact.

 

Hard to determine that as he had been retired for 2 years and was past his prime in age and condition.

 

Jeannete was floored multiple times in his fights with Johnson ,as you know since you posted thread on it once.

 

In 1906 I pick Burns to beat both Jeannette and Langford.