Instead Of Johnson , Langford Fights Burns in Dec 1908 .

All Johnson had to do was honor the contract he signed to met Langford, then we would have seen the fight in 1909.

1909 can be viewed as Johnson's absolute prime, though his results were mixed.

He was out boxed according to some primary sources by Jack O'Brien. O'Brien was near his end and was giving up about 40 pounds.

He was stung by Ross, who was on a horrible losing streak.

He was floored and by his own admission hurt by Ketchel.

And of course GunBoat Smith Told him in a 4 round exhibition match.

Based on the above, you have to favor Langford in 1909 as he was better than the above 4 fighters who gave Johnson trouble.

 

It's a hard one to call. Langford could be inconsistent, but I'd imagine with the title he could be better managed, fight less often, and make sure he's in good shape for his defences. But maybe he liked to fight too much for that.

I think if he fought Johnson, he'd lose too, hard to say if he would or not, especially if Johnson kept pressing.

On the other hand, I think he'd be better liked than Johnson, though he'd still obviously get racist hate, having a more popular black champion might help lessen it somewhat more like what Louis did, but I think that's getting too speculativey.

If we go into double speculation territory, Sam Langford Vs Luther McCarty. . . .

 

In some ways I think subtly undermining these things can be more effective to change minds, I dunno, I don't know much about Langford beyond boxing.

I was meaning if McCarty survived, I meant it as more of a joke though. I don't think he had peaked yet, I think McCarty would likely have turned out very good. But it's hard to tell to what extent he just matured fast.

 

I think Burns is underrated especially against men closer to his size I suspect he and Langford have a fairly rough go.....I think I like Langford by decision

 

1. Langford would have beaten Burns he was more skilled and powerful had pretty much every advantage.
2. No idea, would like to think he wouldn't have drawn the colour line but the heavyweight championship in those days would have a serious change to your life (still does). Still think Langford would have likely fought better guys then Jack did and some of the top black fighter so he would likely loose the title earlier just based on likely higher competition.
3. If he fought Johnson opponents shouldn't have too much issues he was beating better men during this time frame. Honestly if he wanted to fight the top black boxers (Jeanette, McVea, Wills etc) can see some bs happening and him being stripped.

 

There is no guarantee that Langford would have beaten Burns. Sam was much more hittable than Johnson was, and he was closer in size to Burns. In fact, Burns likely would have a slight weight advantage in such a fight in 1908, and they were the same height. I venture to guess that Burns would have won a decision or gotten no worse than a draw. Tommy was versatile, and could fight on the inside or dance and move and box to win on the outside, a style which often gave Langford trouble. Burns also had underrated power.

Keep in mind that Langford narrowly won or got a newspaper draw with Ketchel in their 6-round bout. Burns had much more skill than Ketchel. Only thing Stan had which was better than Burns was one-punch power. Even Johnson said Burns was a better fighter than Ketchel.

 

It is speculation, but I suppose Langford would do what all fighters do - take the fights that make the most money, or some safer less paying fights until the economic value of the bigger riskier fights became maximized.