John L Sullivan vs Sam Langford

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by janitor, Sep 11, 2010.


  1. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,552
    27,180
    Feb 15, 2006
    The two best finishers of the gloved era, up to that point going at it.

    Which Bostonian will prvail?
     
  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,896
    47,885
    Mar 21, 2007
    There is no way to make a sensible pick here, as you know.
     
  3. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,552
    27,180
    Feb 15, 2006
    The thread still has to be done.
     
  4. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,896
    47,885
    Mar 21, 2007
    You pick who you like better. It's basically a popularity contest.
     
  5. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,552
    27,180
    Feb 15, 2006
    There is nothing to stop you attempting a rational pick.
     
  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,896
    47,885
    Mar 21, 2007
    Ok my friend, I want to know what results indicate that Sullivan is vulnerable/not vulnerable to epic pressure counter-punchers and what are the best results Langford enjoyed versus massive-punching speed merchants?
     
  7. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,552
    27,180
    Feb 15, 2006
    Oh shut up!
     
  8. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,896
    47,885
    Mar 21, 2007
    :lol::-(

    No winner can ever be crowned.
     
  9. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,552
    27,180
    Feb 15, 2006
    It might be hard for us to say.

    But then we have a good angle on both fighters.

    What will people who have an angle on one or neither say?
     
  10. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,896
    47,885
    Mar 21, 2007
    Sullivan is pressure, Langford is counter-pressure. This gives Langford the advantage. In terms of style. Other than that, there is little to say.

    Sullivan is the best puncher that Langford has ever faced. Langford is the best fighter that Sullivan has ever faced.
     
  11. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

    25,419
    9,385
    Jul 15, 2008
    Based on M of Q rules I like Langford since he fought several hundred times more under the rules against a much more diversified body of opponents .... in a no holds barred, there are very few I'd take over John L.
     
  12. Stonehands89

    Stonehands89 Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,774
    312
    Dec 12, 2005
    I hereby declare the thread as moot.

    John L. would not fight "The Boston Terror" unless Lanford donned a reverse minstrel costume with white face and all.
     
  13. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

    71,552
    27,180
    Feb 15, 2006
    If Sullivan did not hold a title at the time, then he would probably fight Langford for a suficiently large purse.
     
  14. cuchulain

    cuchulain Loyal Member Full Member

    36,195
    11,233
    Jan 6, 2007
    That fact never seems to be a factor on here. :yep
     
  15. Duodenum

    Duodenum Boxing Junkie Full Member

    11,604
    290
    Apr 18, 2007
    A pre-prime Langford wanted no part of Jeffries. A peak Sullivan in top condition was likewise a powerful, thick, rugged man. He had to come down in size, while Sam had to come up in weight. John L. would clearly be a super heavyweight today. 15 miles of daily roadwork and strict dieting only brought him down to a reported 212 for Kilrain, and he was still noticeably overweight and past his best for that one. A peak Sullivan, coming in at 190 or 195, is a bad man to concede height, weight and reach to.

    Langford was just barely 27 and embarking on the best streak of his life when Fireman Flynn III, the only scheduled 45 rounder of his career, was filmed on St. Patrick's Day, 1910. We can lament the dearth of Greb footage, but we can also see what a peak Langford looked like.