Just studied Sam Langford and Jack Johnson on film..my conclusion

I agree. Sam doesn't beat Jack.. even between he years 1910 - 1916 in a 20 round fight. Jack wouldn't lose his title to anybody in a 20 round fight even past his best till Dempsey or Wills came along. He was just too good over that distance even past his best.

 

As much as I agree, Jack Johnson sure didn't.

 

Langford wasn't made for Johnson, he, like other brave fighters who Fought UP out of their divisions,

He/they were "simply too small"

 

Your assumption is based on Langford simply walking Johnson down and not having more game than the limited footage we have of him ... in fact Langford was very fast and had plenty of movement ... I'm not saying the best Langford beats the best Johnson but it would have been a hell of a fight ... there was a reason Johnson never fought him again and that most of their common opponents said post Reno Sam would have destroyed him ..

 

For once I totally agree with you !.Where did I go wrong ? atsch But Jack Johnson was too big,strong and elusive for Sam Langford. For good reason Nat Fleischer and others called Lil Arthur the best heavyweight of all. He
played with his opponents,never expending more energy than required. Strong,and sharp hurting punches,combined with cat-like defense, make him a favorite over most any heavyweight in history IMO.
And to think I once shook his hand in the mid-forties,as a youngster. He was killed a couple of years later driving to the Louis / Billy Conn fight.
BTW-Where is Reznick who produced this great clip ? Tis wonderful...

 

I'd agree that prime for prime Johnson whips Langford (and just about anybody smaller than him)

From 1911-1915 it's a different story though: Johnson was unmotivated and out of shape; Langford was hungry and was destroying top 5 opponents like there was no tomorrow.

I'm hoping the usual boxrec brigade will actually do some research before pratting on about losses suffered by Langford during these 4 years.

 

On better quality footage I wonder just how his handspeed would compare :think

his head movement is pretty good, that is evident despite the quality of camera.

I do love those uppercuts though :good

 

You think even in a 20 round fight.. lets say in 1915.. Sam beats Jack?

 

by 1915 sam had beaten the **** (and had the **** beaten out of him) by the top names in the divison whilst Johnson had coasted. In all likelihood Sam has missed his window by this point as Johnson will be fresher having taken much less punishment.

In 1913 I do favour Sam, by 1915 it's 50/50

 

Care to post some of these primary sourced quotes?

 

Well, i'm just glad you've cut right to the point and summed it all up for us Suzie.

 

Jeannette and McVey's are common enough .. Wills as well. In addition, the obvious manner in which he avoided fighting him speaks for itself.