Sam Langford

Sam Langford

Sam Langford (March 4, 1883 - January 21, 1956) was an african american boxing standout of the early part of the 20th century. Langford was originally from Weymouth Falls, a small community in Nova Scotia, Canada. He was known as the "Boston Bonecrusher", "Boston Terror" or by his most infamous nickname the "Boston Tar Baby," Langford stood only 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) and weighed 165 lb (75 kg) in his prime. He fought greats from the lightweight division right up to the heavyweights, beating many champions in the process. However, due to two factors, he was never able to secure a world title for himself.

The primary reason for this was boxing's "color line," the unspoken glass ceiling that hampered blacks from advancing in boxing from the time of John L. Sullivan to the rise of Joe Louis While not all Caucasian fighters drew this line, it was enforced more strictly upon the more popular weight divisions.

Another was that Langford was a terribly dangerous fighter. His ability to be competitive in such a wide range of divisions scared off many title holders of the era.

A black fighter of Langford's ability still made good money in the ring despite these barriers, and at the height of his fame, Langford lived the high life.

Langford's most memorable fights were his numerous encounters against fellow Black boxers Sam McVey, Battling Jim Johnson and Joe Jeanette, who all experienced similar barriers in their fighting careers. He squared off with Dempsey antagonist Harry Wills on 22 separate occasions. Langford defeated lightweight champion Joe Gans in 1903, drew with welterweight champion Joe Walcott in 1904, lost to future world heavyweight champion Jack Johnson in 1906, and knocked out former light-heavyweight champion "Philadelphia Jack O'Brien" in 1911, with scores of contender fights in between. His last fight was in 1926, when his failing eyesight finally forced him to retire.

Those who saw Langford said he had very fast hands, especially his jab, and a relaxed defensive style. He was considered flashy. One story characterizing his career involved Langford walking out for the 8th round and touching gloves with his opponent. "What's the matter, Sam, it ain't the last round!" said his mystified opponent. "Tis for you son," said Langford, who promptly knocked his opponent out.

Langford eventually went completely blind and ended up penniless, living in Harlem, New York City. In 1944, a famous article was published about his plight and money was donated by fans to help Langford. Langford was enshrined in the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1955. He died a year later in Cambridge, Mass., where he had been living with his daughter's family.