NO. 8 SAM LANGFORD
Record: 178-29-38 (126 KOs)
Years active: 1902-26
Titles won: None
Among his victims: Joe Gans, Young Peter Jackson, Joe Jeannette, Stanley Ketchel, Sam McVea, Philadelphia Jack O’Brien, Gunboat Smith, Harry Wills,
Background: Langford, a native of Canada who settled in Boston, was among a group of gifted African-American fighters who were often denied the opportunities of white fighters – including the chance to fight for championships – early in the 20th century. That doesn’t mean Langford fought in anonymity. One of the greatest fighters of the era, heavyweight champ, Jack Dempsey, knew of Langford and his capabilities full well. “The hell I feared no man,” Dempsey said. “There was one man, he was even smaller than I, and I wouldn’t fight because I knew he would flatten me. I was afraid of Sam Langford.” Langford, only 5-foot-7½, started his career as a lightweight but ultimately took on some of the best heavyweights of the time and generally gave away 20, 30 pounds. That included the great Jack Johnson, who eked out a victory over Langford in 1906. Johnson became heavyweight champ two years later but never gave Langford (or any other African-American) a chance to fight for the title. Langford continued to fight – and remain competitive – even as he was going blind but finally walked away at 43. His name lives on.