What an incredible combination. Judging by reports, he was a viscious body puncher as well, and certainly at least as tough as James Toney which says a lot. Is he perhaps, the greatest fighter in boxing? Think about James Toney's success at heavyweight. The only thing holding him back was his lack of power and conditioining. Imagine, Sam Langford in today's division. He would reek havoc.
I think there are certain points of comparison, but I also think that Langford has a couple of layers to his game, that we do not see on the available film.
Of course, but James Toney is a great modern fighter to be compared to. Just the fact that Langford is reminicent of him in so far as toughness, counterpunching, and defense is concerned speaks volumes about his ability. And the fact that Johnson and many others said Langford was the hardest puncher they've ever faced, also speaks well of his capability. And a diminsion that James doesn't utilize as much as he should is body punching. Apparently, Langford was a devestating body puncher. If everything written about him is true, he may very well be one of the greatest fighters of all time.
