Sam Langford | Dempsey & Johnson Avoided This Man

[@RainyDayBoxing]

“In all my pugilistic career, not before and not afterwards, have I received a blow that struck me with such force. I found him one of the toughest adversaries I ever met in the ring. Sam had the greatest right cross the ring ever saw, past or present, and when he laid it in, the party was over. I can still hear the wind whistling as his right hand passed by my face. Langford's right cross would have reached Dempsey's jaw a split second before Dempsey's left hook could reach old Sam. He was the toughest little S.O.B. that ever lived.” - Jack Johnson “There’s a big smoke back home called Jack Johnson who is unbeatable. He licked me in Massachusetts last year and he’s improving every month.” -Sam Langford “The hell I feared no man. There was one man, he was even smaller than I, I wouldn't fight him because I knew he would flatten me, I was afraid of Sam Langford." - Jack Dempsey “Dempsey to my mind is still the champion of the world. He is my idea of a fighter, as he carried the battle to his opponent and never did back away" - Sam Langford “It was like being hit with a baseball bat. He hit you so hard you didn't feel it. I fought most of the heavyweights, including Dempsey and Johnson, but Sam could stretch a guy colder than any of them. He'd say I'm sorry son, I didn't mean to hit you so hard. And he meant it, he never realized how hard he could punch. He is a demon, I thought I had a chance with him, but I guess I didn’t figure at all. I stayed 11 rounds with Johnson, but this fellow gets me in the first.” - Jim Flynn “Langford is consistent, has the punch, knows the game and can whip them all right now, one after the other. Johnson knows this and is sidestepping his fellow fighter at every turn of the road.” - John L Sullivan "He'd break my shoelaces every time he hit me, and I was tickled to death to get the hell out of there. Langford vs Dempsey, both in their prime would have been bad news for Dempsey. I'll go further and declare that Langford would have waded through every champ we've had including Joe Louis." - Gunboat Smith “Talk about hitting! I've met some hard punchers in my time, and all I can say is that the hardest blows any of them ever landed on me were like a slap in the face compared with those bone-crushing wallops of Langford. When Sam hit you in the body, you'd kind of look around half expecting to see his glove sticking out of your back. When he'd hit you on the chin, well, when that happened you didn't think at all until they brought you back to life again." - Harry Wills “Jack was afraid of Langford. He beat Sam once when he was only a middleweight, but he wouldn't have anything to do with him when Sam got bigger and better. Sam would have been champion any time Johnson had given him a fight. And Johnson knew it better than anybody " - Joe Jeanette “In my book he was just about the greatest of them all. Nobody will ever know how many fighters Sam had to carry. If he didn't agree to carry them he wouldn't get any work. I have plenty respect for Joe Louis as a hitter, but I can't see him hitting Sam hard enough to make him mad" - Abe Attell

[@sweetpeaboxing576]

Glad to see you uploading again rainy day

[@THEDONSTR8Fightah76]

SAMMY IS MY GUY!!!! THE CANADIAN!!!!

[@egaluel]

I think this kind of power occurs in every fighter with extremely long reach and big hands for their size, Earnie Shavers and Sonny Liston being other examples...

[@evanmelendez6353]

Hey what about a training video of The Camden Buzzsaw Dwight Muhammad Qawi

[@david.amuiki]

John sullivan was absolutely right

[@budwhite9781]

Never heard of this boxer...and now I will never forget this boxer...

[@erichood3169]

Me either. The thing is back then there was prob 1000 other better black fighters that didn't fight or couldn't.

[@WheelchairWolverine]

@@erichood3169 big facts! It doesn’t matter what side of the political aisle you find yourself on or how you look at history. But it’s very clear and very sad that people were shunned, not supported or unable to do certain things simply because they were black. Once the race barrier was broken, all hell broke loose and those old school racist MF’ers had to sit back and watch all of these people they thought were beneath them. Knockout their champions or out perform their white counterparts. I love just about every sport and study them all. But it’s sad to know that some of the greatest athletes, in some of the greatest era’s of their sports aren’t mentioned in history. All because of race. There is no denying that Babe Ruth was a beast but I would bet a fortune that there were far better black players at that time. They just weren’t allowed to compete. Again, once the color barrier was broken. All hell broke loose, in every sport. It’s beautiful to see so many races and nationalities represented in competition now. But I wish it would have never been an issue. Because back in those days, those guys were all just naturally gifted. They didn’t have all the analysis and science to help them improve. Just good ole practice and natural ability. Obviously we have naturally gifted people competing now. But if you took away all of the modern technology and put guys from today vs guys from the early days. I’d put my money on those guys from back in the day. Seems like they were just built differently. Boxers fought more than once a year, pitchers threw faster for more innings and on shorter rest. Football players played to kill their opponents. Everyone is soft these days!

[@drelocs2878]

Same 😥

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

But couldn't he pass for Joe Frazier's long lost cousin tho?? They truly favored each other..

[@johnj8514]

@@WheelchairWolverine SoftER ,definitely not soft.

[@bobmathews9072]

“I’ve got my guitar , I’ve got my memories - I’m o.k” - talk about bringing tears to a glass eye ..

[@braciole7667]

Well I've got my guitar and I've got my memories. I'm okay. What a beautiful person. Never held onto bitterness or anger. We could all learn from Sam Langford. Rest in peace Sam.

[@paulbuxton1326]

Great man , true champ 🙏

[@1800cc-Dead-Meat]

perfection is not the destination, it is the path Confucius would be pleased

[@pasifikbwoy7278]

For a black man in that time too wow

[@battlevain]

@Braciole 76 Well said indeed. Sam Langford was much more than a fighter. He was a truly noble soul. 🙏🏾❤️

[@betterfasterstronger0]

Bro plz never let this channel die. The narration, background music, footage is all PERFECT🏋🏼

[@RainyDayBoxing]

You're too kind brother 🙏 I hope I'll be able to going with the channel for many years to come. Archie Moore video up next!

[@bradgilbert9546]

Man, my eyes started with tears when at the end he was smiling, laughing and he knew happiness never came at a price he wasn't able to afford. Hard life makes hard men and hard men make easy lives. Bless him..smiled and joked to the end.

[@ShabazzStone]

Nice quote bro!

[@napoliansolo7865]

I loved the way he was grateful to be able to see the birds and pretty girls again!

[@joesutherland225]

Well said brother .

[@jimiray1969.]

Happiness never came at a price he couldn't afford. Priceless

[@dondon98]

But..... as sad as it is.. hes a LEGEND FOREVER.... you can buy that with Billions & Trillions of Dollars

[@cj3420]

I love how instead of just telling us about the fighters, you use audio from interviews with other great fighters and snippets from documentaries where experts like Bert sugar are explaining how fantastic these fighters are. It gives these standpoints authority and really let’s you gain a deeper understanding of just how great fighters like Langford were. Great job as always rdb.

[@strikeback1080]

@CJ So true it makes you feel like you were there at the time this all occurred.

[@luispadilla3944]

Wish movies would be made of these boxing greats .

[@jukebox1138]

@@luispadilla3944 there was a movie about Jack Dempsey. It came out in the 80s.

[@________o6474]

Grateful for the written quotes too 🙏🏽

[@iamrudolphvalentino]

You deserve all the respect in the world for making a video on Langford, people need to recognize the greats of the the late 19th century and early 20th century.

[@irishscience580]

he needs to do a video on harry greb. imo the p4p greatest fighter of all time, across all combat sports

[@godfather53]

@@irishscience580 There is only one training vid on him, otherwise we don’t have any footage Greb fighting seriously. A tragedy

[@williamfrawley1175]

I'm 59 and followed boxing most of my life and all the old fights as well. My dad told me about Sam Langford when I was a kid so it's great that you put this video out there .

[@joereidy5732]

Wow, I was unaware of Sam Langford. He was a real powerhouse. Too bad his life ended so sadly.

[@craigridley7369]

You're a lot older than that Fred

[@boogie8586]

I'm his many great grandson(have family tree+photo albums), and until the day I die I will tell everyone about the Boston tar baby

[@joereidy5732]

@@boogie8586 You should be very proud of your Great Grandfather! Although I doubt he would have beaten Jack Dempsey. He was still great

[@najeeneil1521]

@@joereidy5732 but he already folded jack Dempsey

[@markuse3472]

I love this man. Even after all he was denied, he was still positive and cheerful as an elderly man.

[@Horatio787]

I should aspire to be such a cheerful elderly person.

[@artistaccount]

​@@Horatio787 me too

[@TheSnoopindaweb]

💬> Ya got to be Tuf ✊🥋🥊 🤠 Yup❔ G~G.🇺🇸✏ 🗳 ☑

[@c.galindo9639]

Man what a guy. Not just as a fighter but as a human being. Humble and powerful yet doesn’t hold any negativity or bitterness towards anyone or anything around him. It’s heartbreaking how he had it so rough but he had a heart of gold and is a very inspiring person to learn from and about. The Great Sam Langford.

[@Meta_Meech]

That's crazy how I knew about Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey, but I never even heard of this guy. Much love to you for making a tribute to this man. Even the heavyweights were afraid of him

[@RocRockas]

Cause most of y'all don't know shit about boxing. Casual yt history fans.

[@tima.478]

@@RocRockas Combined with the fact that most all of black accomplishments in the day were either never recorded or swept under the big white rug!!!

[@liammartin8773]

its because you like 99.9% of people into combat sports only know the very surface from what they see online and from other people who only know surface level things / dont really know much at all

[@liammartin8773]

@Tim A. no that was during the time. not now. 99% if the reason is because ppl dont know shit about boxing or its history

[@dirtyjew1974]

Another excellent fighter you should check out is Harry Wills, he was arguably the best of that time as well and he fought Langford a few times. Johnson refused him a title shot.

[@jameswalker4291]

Man after this everything I ever thought I knew about boxing, about fighting is kinda out the window. Never even heard of this man and at 43 I have been studying combat sports most my life. This is sad but his story is one I won't forget soon not just as a fighter but as a man. A lot to learn✊💛

[@yezzir8929]

I recommend you check out Scrapbook Boxing and Rich the Boxing Historian!

[@tylerross9706]

Check out hardline boxing talks, he talks about loads of past fighters, he goes even more in depth with Sam Langford although this video does a great job covering him as well

[@tylerross9706]

@@yezzir8929 scrapbook is another great channel

[@strikeback1080]

@James Walker Yes this was a gem right here. I feel blessed to have clicked on and learned about this amazing individual.

[@thespy7795]

EVERYBODY knows about Sam Langford....or so I thought. Dempsey NEVER fought a Black Man....he refused.

[@allanyoung4435]

As a Nova Scotian I'd like to thank you for your effort to shine some light on this mans career. We can't have Sam be lost to history.

[@davidyates1860]

Cape Breton here

[@exclamationpointman3852]

Very good. GOD bless Sam's soul and Nova Scotia.

[@AJohnSmith]

Beautiful land I’ve been blessed to visit.

[@btjc9029]

Barrington here

[@normadelik1]

An absolutely legendary boxer. If he got the breaks he deserved, he could have easily being a five weight division champion in an era where they fought harder opponents for many more rounds. His story deserves to be told. Amazing footage at the end to see him still joking after all the cards he was dealt. I will be researching and sharing his story from now on. A real GOAT.

[@TheSnoopindaweb]

F. Patterson was saying there fewer belts to win even back then, I suppose.🤠 Yup ❗ G~G. ✏ 🗳 ☑ 🇺🇸.

[@dannierobinson9313]

Unreal!!! Robbed so many times and still smiling, a true champion. The fact that he was 5 foot 7, almost blind and the biggest names wouldn’t go near him is amazing!!! What a warrior!!!

[@irishscience580]

I have him as the second greatest pound for pound fighter ever. many have him as the greatest ever period, cant really argue with it

[@1Xzss]

@El Púas - Rockabye just imagine usky scared of Canelo, that’s Jack Johnson and sam Langford

[@jahqayburnett7736]

​@@1Xzsshow was Johnson scared if he already beat him? He was scared to hurt him you mean?

[@hemadayal7815]

@@1Xzss nah...he was afraid Langford would KILL him....

[@s4daude_filmandcombat]

​@jahqayburnett7736 Johnson beat Langford but didn't want to go through it again. Langford hurt Johnson so badly and made him work so hard that Johnson didn't want the rematch.

[@heyitsalanhere]

"To be able to see again...and to get out and look and the bird's...n the young girl's going by..." With such an endearing chuckle... heart warming and heart breaking 💜👊💜

[@1PrinceWilliam]

The work you do in highlighting these sometimes largely forgotten or under-appreciated fighters is absolutely incredible! Thank you for all of the content!

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for saying that! Glad you're enjoying the content of the lesser known greats!

[@Realfishhours]

One of the most underrated athletes of all time. Thanks for making this video. As a young fight fan the I think the old timers like langford, gans, and Leonard deserve more attention.

[@-XTD-]

@@respirando_ fucks wrong with you then?

[@Realfishhours]

@@-XTD- alright glad I'm not the only one confused by that response lol

[@-XTD-]

@@Realfishhours ikr

[@Lou.B]

There MUST be a Boxing Hall of Fame Museum somewhere, and they should be playing your films on a continuous loop! This is another terrific piece of work! Your ability to bring these great men to life is amazing. THANK YOU!

[@kcash6359]

There are two Hall of Fames for boxing. The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY. The other lesser known is the World Boxing Hall of Fame in Riverside, CA.

[@zroy9263]

A true man's man, CHAMPION, athlete, and gladiator! May the memory of the great Sam Langford never be forgotten by true boxing fans and historians.

[@shriharihudli]

In my eyes he was the greatest of all time, even greater than SRR.

[@zroy9263]

@@shriharihudli Who or what the hell is SRR?!

[@artistaccount]

Sugar ray Robinson ​@@zroy9263

[@luciwightman7257]

In 1967 there was published in Canada a book called Great Canadian Sports Stories, part of The Canadian Centennial Library (1967 was Canada's 100th birthday as a nation). Sam Langford gets a full page of coverage in it, including two photographs.

[@michaelconnelly2587]

Sam Langford, another hero to add to the list 👊🏻

[@fujitafunk]

5’7” @145lbs and fighting heavyweights. Hell, he was scaring heavyweights! What a fighter. Proves that technique and evasiveness triumph in a fight.

[@crabb9966]

People don't want to believe this today, people are so limited by their own idea of what's possible and this is not just in fighting

[@remyhavoc4463]

@@crabb9966 Pride FC: Hold my crazy Japanese matches

[@maxnorton1209]

That, and the fact that he apparently hit harder than anyone else in boxing history, except for one other. Technique is important, but it wasn’t his technique that caused heavyweights to fear him, and heavyweight champions to dodge fighting him.

[@MrAlepedroza]

Remember heavyweights were far smaller back then. Jack Dempsey would be a middleweight today yet he was considered as well sized back theb.

[@gearhead682010]

I personally know how hard a “little” guy who’s 5’ 7” and 145 pounds hits, I’ve fought way bigger guys and they wouldn’t want to fight me again. It has very little to do with technique, it’s got everything to do with having strength beyond your physical size

[@roddywilliams9957]

I love the art of boxing. I’m boxing since I’m 13 and still at 56 I love going to the Morris park boxing club here in the Bronx. You hear people say.” Let’s play baseball “ let’s play football”.. but you’ll never hear anyone say “ let’s play boxing”…. I enjoyed this video immensely. Thank you so much for teaching me something I didn’t k ow of! Great video 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻😵🥊😵🥊😵🥊💪🏻🇮🇪💪🏻🐾❤️🙏🏻

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you Roddy! Glad you enjoyed Sam's story 🥊

[@gilbertwilson895]

Sam Langford, as witnessed by this wonderful boxing documentary, was indeed a true champion in every sense of the word. He kept both his God-given dignity and an innate joy in living measured by his standards, not those of materialism or fame given as tokens by those in control of culture and such affairs of complex societies. Many of us who have traveled Life's roads high & low, who have seen and done things most other men have not, we have encountered, admired, cherished the memories of witnessing, of even challenging such gifted and skilled men, be they playground legends in a park, sporting men who hustled and gambled against all comers, and even as opponents asserting their positions in intense situations. Such is their grace and honor that they are not excessively boastful nor do they claim what they are not. And they will nod, smile, or cheerfully complement those they have bested, yet gave them a surprising challenge of courage and skill in defeat.

[@vector8310]

Talk about being overlooked by history. I've been a diehard boxing fan wince 1971 and i can't say i remember any analysts mentioning Sam Langford. Great video!

[@henryklevemann]

Great story of a great person that should not be forgotten! Thank You!

[@snehalkrishnan618]

He was only 5’7”? What a legend

[@MannahWar]

Man I love the Narrator’s voice - just perfect for such a craft! I never knew of this gentleman. Thank you rainy day boxing

[@MannahWar]

Sam Langford was boss

[@augustmosco]

This was great, thank you. I never knew Sam Langford's story. A lot of work went into this production and Eli's a great narrator. It's appreciated.

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it and found it informative.

[@FlyRiverFly]

Absolutely phenomenal video. I had never heard of Sam Langford but this story will remain with me for years. When I hear stories about the greatest boxers of all time, and will throw in MMA fighters, even thought I will never hear Sam Langford mentioned, mentally he will be in the number one spot in my mind.

[@brocklanders3616]

Came home from work, and got lucky to watch this gem of a video. It's amazing what he was able to do at 5'7. Kinda like James Toney, whose only a legit 5'9 fighting a legit heavyweights in Sam Peter and Haseem Rahman. Thank you sir

[@deanthiessen7306]

Oh please stop the bullshit ,Toney was juiced to the gills to accomplish what he did Langford did it clean,,,you cant compare todays fighters with yesteryears fighters.

[@bizmonkey007]

Holy crap. I never knew Toney was only 5’9. I had to Google that to double-check. He didn’t fight like a small man, at all.

[@singh2702]

James Toney honestly wasn't smart trading bombs with the likes of Sam Peter etc

[@lewisgreenhalgh7546]

@@deanthiessen7306 but so is everyone else in boxing so it's still kinda even. You know, no one juiced back in the day, now everyone is juiced.

[@markeyosef1579]

@@bizmonkey007 he was short but far from small. Head, neck, hands and arms big.

[@TheGreatest1974]

This was BRILLIANT. Everyone should know about this man. 💥🥊

[@clos6613]

How have I never heard of this man. Even here in Canada I never heard any praise for this man. Great job putting this together and putting this out there 👏

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you Carlos, glad you enjoyed it🙏 Happy I was able to introduce you to Langford!

[@phillipcassell3319]

Heard of him only from Dempsey and Johnson, but never cared enough to look him up because I was too busy nerding out over Dempsey and Johnson. I'm more broken hearted after watching this than I was with the Sonny Liston doc.

[@bos3835]

Incredible story, I'm an old school fighting fan and I never heard of this guy. What a shame he never got what he deserved.

[@godfather53]

He's top 3 greatest boxer ever in worst case scenario. Sam Langford is arguably the goat with outstanding achivements and an incredible career

[@mrsmart5221]

Sometimes thats what a legacy is he lives as long as we talk about him 🦾🦾🔥

[@brcage]

What an absolute inspiration, a living legend... The heart of a lion, and still with so much kindness. That us a rare gem. I think I've just found my new GOAT...

[@ballhawk387]

Stole the word right outta my typing finger

[@professorhamamoto]

Great to hear Langford's recorded voice at the end. Thank you for the incredible documentary.

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for saying that! Glad you enjoyed Sam's story.

[@Oneness3395]

The man was 100% so underrated and deserved every ounce of respect and still does to this day, a very friendly and loving person but also a excellent fighter and power puncher, so glad I've discovered this man, a true people's champ rip Sam, the ones who know about you will never forget you, wish more people knew about you, fly high brother 🙏

[@zachcrmusic]

What a man, and what a legacy to have been lost in the history of boxing. Well researched and well delivered, you’ve done this man a credit!

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words Zach, means a lot! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@coreyham3753]

Agreed ... great work on this history of boxing.

[@ballhawk387]

Much appreciation for this inspiring tribute. I am glad top hear he kept an upbeat attitude in spite of all the tragic misfortunes. Arguably the GOAT among boxers, and en even greater man.

[@wrknathome9254]

Great job on this. Sounds like Sam suffered from the same thing that fighters of today deal with. People duckin him because he was just too good. Nothing odd about that. That's the fight game, sadly. It's the fans who ultimately lose. Also, sadly, Sam made tons of money but just mis-managed it, like a lot of fighters do.

[@brandonvillatuya9539]

The man that struck fear into one of Tyson's inspirations

[@A.fordbey.99]

That probably should’ve been the title!

[@HonkeyKong54]

Except Johnson beat this dude and dempsey knocked out Johnson sooo...

[@primeninja9]

@@HonkeyKong54 where can I find this fight

[@HonkeyKong54]

@@primeninja9 they were done in private matches in areas that didn't care about the race of the fighters

[@jackprecip5389]

@@HonkeyKong54 Dempsey never fought Johnson, and using your strange logic, Langford destroyed Jim Flynn, who knocked out Dempsey cold in the first round, soooo........ Also, the poster you responded to was simply stating what Dempsey said about Langford in his own autobiography, so perhaps you should try and know the subject matter better before commenting on it and making an ass out of yourself. The myth that Johnson and Dempsey met in a private non recorded fight has been thoroughly debunked, so unless you also believe the earth is flat, perhaps you should stop stating it.

[@jakemcginnis6664]

I absolutely love your videos, your able to bring vibrant colors to the old black and white images through your storytelling. I look forward to each new story you tell and am grateful for what you do. Thank you 🙏

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words Jake! Happy to share the stories of these great men with you 🥊

[@The35jackal]

Very sad , so much respect for this man, and what he went through.

[@LegendsofBoxing]

Great work. It's a shame that there are only 3 recorded fights of his available. Imagine if we could watch Langford vs Johnson. Allegedly Langford even knocked down Johnson, but there's no proof. This was for sure a great fight.

[@hardlineboxingtalk7542]

The story of johnson going down was part of the story langfords manager played after the fight including the idea the fight was close and langford could have won in an attempt to force a rematch. The real tale is langford badly stunned johnson in round 4 and 10, johnson said after round 4 admitted he was fighting on instinct but johnson beat sam langford real well, the fight was not close. But johnson outweighed him by 29lbs, langford was 156 johnson was 185. A few years later when sam had put on 10 to 15lbs johnson wanted no part of him and turned down big offers from UK, Australia, France and cuba to fight him

[@woodenpearl8686]

At least there are 3 recorded fights of Sam - 3 more than of Harry Greb. THAT is even more of a shame. If there was only one fight I could pick that never happened, it would be Langford - Greb.

[@T1tusCr0w]

@@hardlineboxingtalk7542 I think the last bit there says all that needs. Johnson gets such a handful before that he doesn’t want to try again now that Langford has acclimatised to the weight class.

[@constantine7382]

@@woodenpearl8686 I was just thinking about that! The Ring magazines founder, Nat Fleisher, was asked about that exact fight. They were his two favorites, his picks for the best ever, and had seen them from ringside countless times. Nat said that he didn't think Langford could have laid a glove on Harry. But WHAT A FIGHT!!!!!

[@abcall-timesboxingchanneln7076]

Factually Johnson knocked Langford down in round 6th and won a 15rd decision in Chelsa Mass. Langford did not knock down Johnson in any known accounts of this fight.

[@terrygribb9185]

One of the greatest boxers thats ever lived... A heartbreaking ending.

[@crazyhorse30]

Sad

[@GMan-cv9ig]

But did you see the joy in him? Priceless and live a fuller life than most men ever since!! Not sad at all to me

[@merur1]

@@GMan-cv9ig I have to agree

[@michaelmidax8108]

The craziest thing is that all of us agree with that sentiment but the man, himself, died happier than someone that was half his age, could see twice as better, & was three times as rich as he was at his richest. My grandfather told me about this guy & it was hard to believe that someone of our ethnicity could be so great in that time period. A record even better than Sugar Ray Robinson's, chased the first black heavyweight champion down in pursuit of a fight but he was too hard of a fighter to beat that when he survived him once he never wanted to Mr. Langston again?! A man 4" shorter than 6 ft & weighed about 160 pounds that used to put heavyweights either to sleep or put fear in their hearts?! A man that was in his 40's & half blind that wanted to challenge for the great, Mr. Jack Dempsey's title, & he was told that he was too hard of a fight for one of the greatest boxing champions in our country's history?! That's a bad dude. Fighters like him, & Sugar Ray Leonard, & Mike Tyson & Muhammad Ali are the reason I boxed as a teen, used to get beat up a lot for being the sick & feeble kid & remembering a teenaged Sam Langston was kicking major ass, i signed up for my city's boxing gym & learned how to box. By the end of the year if someone was picking on the smart kids, I'm who'd they call to whoop your ass. You put your hands on a woman & it gets back to me, I'd whoop your ass. You stole something from someone & they told me, I'd whoop your ass. And i didn't stop until dudes would be fearful of being beaten up & embarrassed so they started carrying guns. And until you hear the distinct sounds of flying lead pass your ears you have no clue how fast you can from prepared & confident to absolutely terrified. After getting popped 9 years ago, I started focusing on just protecting my family. By for the 2 or 3 yrs that I was the go to, to be 5'7 (at the time) & put fear in the eyes & hearts of bullies who were bigger & heavier than me, this man is one of the men I'd feel like in those moments. I'm glad that someone is talking about the awesome life & legacy of the first baddest man on the planet, Mr. Sam Langston

[@crazyhorse30]

@@michaelmidax8108 what da hell is u talking about bra it so hard to believe a black man could BE so great at the period or time hell it was more intelligent black in that era or time than it is now even way before then what you need to know is that the problem is we are never recognized by the people because just like now as then white people like to take credit for our work and be promoted off of our backs a black man discovered America Pedro Alonzo NiA LIKE I SAY WE GOT TO FIGHT THE POWER TO BE

[@radicalcat4942]

Here commenting again. Just to tell you brother that this channel has so much vibes, ambience and CHARACTER in it. Your narration is perfect too. It really honors the name because it feels like I'm watching boxing on a chill, rainy day. And not only boxing, but the beautiful history of the ART of boxing. ❤

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words brother, it made my day reading your comment! Glad to hear you're enjoying the videos and the fighter's stories 🥊

[@almsladywolverines6574]

Amazing story! Such a shame he isn't more well known. Thank you for putting this video together.

[@macgod1172]

That fact that he’s Nova Scotian is dope to me because I’m also Nova Scotian, great video video man keep putting us on 💯

[@townseydroidborleyboy8024]

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS GREAT FIGHTER TO LIGHT

[@b17bomber]

Incredible film thank you. Sam Langford has always fascinated me and I've depicted him a number of times in my artwork.

[@neegachu9074]

I’m so happy you did this, I found out about him a few years ago when I was 16 from Boxing legends TV he never did a vid on him sadly so all I can say is THANK YOU.

[@shannonlawsonnashville]

Man, it kind of breaks my heart that Jack Johnson wouldn’t give him the chance. Johnson is probably my favorite fighter of all time. And I have a lot of respect for the dude, but this is eye-opening

[@mogunloye]

Rest in peace Champ!! Your legend lives on!!

[@richardhenry1969]

Really thought I was very knowledgeable about old boxers. This one really floored me. I wonder how many other great fighters I've never heard about. Your story telling is amazing can't wait to go through your other stories. Great job.

[@drew856856]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for keeping this great man's name alive.

[@leftys408]

Imagine what a guy with Langford's skills could be making in today's world. I was lucky in that I learned about him as a youngster when my grandfather, who was an old "club fighter" told me about him. What's really kind of sad is that Dempsey didn't give him a shot at the title. As great as Langford was, I doubt he could have really given Dempsey much trouble at that later stage of his career, in his 40s and with sight in just one eye. Yet, Dempsey said he feared him. Or maybe he knew it'd be hard to find backers to support another Black fighter getting a title shot after Jack Johnson. Joe Louis was still a number of years away.....great video! Thanks!

[@smemr]

By the time Dempsey became champion Langford was well past his prime. Even in his prime it is very unlikely he could've beaten the Dempsey of 1919. Dempsey had a self-deprecating way of comparing himself to other fighters. In the full conversation Dempsey said he would not meet Langford (this was in 1916) when they were pressuring him because he knew he was not ready for that jump up at that point in his career. I use to see Dempsey with my Dad many times at his restaurant in the 60's and early 70s. (Always got a cheesecake to take home.) He was a real gentlemen.

[@guerrillawarfare916]

Absolutely love all of these historical boxing videos Rainy Day Boxing is putting out, fascinating to learn about these great fighters. keep up the good work!

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the supportive words! Glad you’re enjoying the videos, definitely more to come.

[@jimmysblacksmithing462]

Wow! Never heard of this man ever. Very sad, yet very inspiring. So great to see The story about this young man! Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. Look forward to more. Please stay well and have a beautiful day. Jim PS, he must’ve been one heck of a Great person. A great attitude, and a great example for the rest of mankind.

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words Jim. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@geoffreygoodyear3746]

That was simply incredible! The guy was dangerous even when he was virtuslly blind! ..and on top of everything seemed a real nice guy right to the end❤🥊💣💥

[@stanb.5261]

Wow, just wow- from the pinnacle to the depths! And he still salvaged his dignity. Never even heard of the man- thank you.

[@TheHyena-ru8bz]

As always a perfectly done video. Life can be unforgiving. Good to get the name of Sam out their now so he can be remembered

[@Danimal619]

Conquering the baddest people in the ring is impressive enough but conquering adversity and maintaining a sense of humor along the way are far more impressive. He did both. What an amazing video.

[@carlosgarcia9561]

Thank you for the video. You show an important part of the boxing history. This man deserve to be remember like one of the best. A True Champion!

[@gratitude62]

For the 15 or more years since i learned about Samuel Langford and watched the occasional documentary about him, i have been deeply stirred by the mans Spirit and have contemplated his Being. A unique human and incredible fighter, the statements of his peers and contemporaries speak incontrovertibly to his greatness. He is one of those old school guys that you wish could posthumously adopt you as your grandfather.

[@johnbaptiste6266]

History be told...wow, a very interesting piece...thank you...love the old sports stories...wished these guys had the chances the modern day athletes have today...they are truly blessed compared to back in those days

[@MarcoRico-ws1pd]

Amazing to see footage this old! One of the great things about KZbin

[@pedropaz4379]

These videos soundtrack are amazing, i feel like these boxers story become more alive because of it. Love everything about this channel, keep it coming!

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you Pedro, glad you're enjoying the videos, definitely more to come!

[@JermaineBall]

I love these old school boxers getting some shine. I know there’s no footage of him fighting, but I’d love to see something about Harry Greb!

[@timcarr6401]

Thank you for this. It's remarkable that most people, including myself, have never heard of the man. It was so unfair that he was given a raw deal in America.

[@jamietownsend1769]

Reason why God does not bless America

[@c.galindo9639]

More like he was too feared to be appreciated properly. Fighters were in it for money not just proving themselves but proving themselves against Langford seemed more like a death sentence to them

[@HonkeyKong54]

@@c.galindo9639 this video takes quotes out if context for a better story. Jack Johnson beat this dude and dempsey knocked out Johnson.

[@c.galindo9639]

@@HonkeyKong54 Jack Johnson beat him when he was still early in his career and weighed less, then when he became more of a threat, Johnson ducked him. By the time Johnson actually faced a challenge he was already out of his prime and undertrained. Although I get what you’re saying and sometimes videos over glorify people. This however was mostly straight to the point

[@pjbutton3396]

Extremely underrated fighter, extremely underrated channel!

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for saying that! Appreciate your support of the channel.

[@pjbutton3396]

@@RainyDayBoxing you deserve it king 👑

[@TheDjwenfish]

Thank you for the work you've done putting together these excellent documentaries of sometimes lesser known fighter's. They are a pleasure to watch and very enlightening.

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words Antony, you're too kind. Glad you are enjoying them!

[@shamsam4]

That was a very well balanced piece, well done! Also, what a story. The footage at the end with him laughing is priceless.

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for the kind words Sam! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@warrenhenderson2717]

Thanks for sharing this great boxer history Sam Langford. It’s nice to learn about the greats whom never had a fair chance. May he R. I.P.🥊

[@EwwThatSmell]

Love this channel but i get depressed watching a lot of these videos about old boxers, especially black boxers. They rarely got the credit they deserved and had to travel a road so tough most of us would have crumbled. Keep up the great content, look forward to learning more about boxings greats

[@bleedwolf5]

Tragic the obstacles most have overcome

[@ondolite3789]

@Private Explain?

[@ondolite3789]

@Private Oh just a thought but this is a clip is about a fascinating man who was pretty much unknown to myself and many who are commenting. You then talk of overhype of black people! 🙊 I was wrong you got BIG issues! You need to come away from KZbin and sort your life out.

[@bigtarzan44]

man was a beast. i wish we could of had more footage of him but it was so long ago. salute to you for the video

[@efrainamezcua7594]

Thank you for preserving this amazing boxers legacy.

[@adisanchez4522]

Even towards the end of his life he was a joyous man with an infectious laughter .... What a great human being,when life was unfair to him he was contented with what he has.

[@shottashabazz6721]

He looks like and was the ultimate warrior. You got to be a real boxing enthusiast/fan to know about this pile driver power puncher. RIP Sammy Langford. 🙏🏿

[@curbozerboomer1773]

It seems that Langford was the black Marciano of his day...giving away height and weight, but still dispatching nearly all his foes...Marciano was fortunate to be active in an era when there were few really strong boxers, and he had the good sense to retire before he got to be too old to continue his devastating style.

[@akashnadar1449]

Thank You for the efforts you put into your videos Your style of making would definitely need more like the editing,collecting the rare footages and not using the most known footages of fighters(which most people must have seen over 10-20 times), finding a soothing music and preparing the script. Definitely worth waiting to watch the documentaries Thank you Rainy day boxing 😀

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Appreciate the your kind words and support of the channel! Glad I'm not the only one who enjoys learning about the lesser known fighters, thanks Akash.

[@hatednyc]

It’s unfortunate he couldn’t have the title here at home but I’m glad he found well deserved praise and fortunes abroad. The States were too lame, bigoted and ignorant to appreciate this man. Thank you for the education on this truly unsung hero.

[@rizinggodfist3049]

Thank you for uploading... truly amazing!..extremely well narrated 👍🏾 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Appreciate the kind words of support! Glad you enjoyed it

[@WarrenPeace007]

Superb commentary, perfect music at a perfect volume, superb content. What more could anyone want?

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you for saying that, appreciate the supportive words! Glad you enjoyed Sam’s story.

[@kevincordoba-llanos4856]

Great video, it’s sad that talent like Langford never got a fair chance.

[@datu310]

Mr. Langford has always been in my top ten list.

[@godfather53]

He's top 3 in worst case scenario

[@thebambino4728]

AMAZING video - I like ALOT of other people had NEVER HEARD OF HIM !! It's a DAMN SHAME the way things played out for him .

[@monshalagon]

I'm SOOOO glad I found this channel!!! It's amazing! Boxing aside, it's a history lesson every time... reflecting so many aspects of society through the lens of the boxing world. Truly masterful documentary work!!!

[@eddiekidd1760]

"I've got my Guitar and My Memories". An amazing Man and Fighter... Thank You for sharing this... Nice Work... E.L.K. 🎶🙏🎶

[@michaelreed9805]

Known this for years and nobody ...I mean nobody knows this legend!!! The best fighter that has ever existed to this day!

[@alanhannigan3358]

This man is awesome,the fact im only hearing about him now,after been a boxing fan since Barry McGuigan fights in the early too mid 80's saddens me,this Man was awesome,desevered alot more out of life 💯

[@redacted9164]

the war between dempsey and langford would've been insane, despite the respect they had for eachother, that fight would come to a bloody and bruised decision victory

[@bossplayermfs5972]

Dempsey didn’t want any smoke with Langford, obviously you didn’t read his comment on fighting Langford. Dempsey was an overrated fighter who was scared to fight black fighters.

[@KINGFAROOQ1216]

I took it differently, was Langford not blind in one eye and past his best at that time? I thought it was more of a respectful thing to say

[@intellicogroup405]

@@KINGFAROOQ1216 that’s a fair point. I think prime Dempsey vs 40 year old blind Langford would not have been competitive… and when Langford was in his prime Dempsey was too young. Prime for prime would have been great to watch!

[@JOHNKIRBY2077]

I think prime for prime Dempsey gets wrecked!!!

[@kieranbowman2624]

Great video bro I still can't wrap my head around how they filmed fights from the early 1900s

[@princeparish5001]

This man's energy was everything, may your name be recognized Mr. Langford

[@isaacdebebe2224]

Man, Rainy Day another great documentary. I love each one you’ve came out with and can’t wait for more. Can you make on Harry Greb? I’ve always heard of Langford but never really knew history or of his greatness. Keep it up!

[@RainyDayBoxing]

Thank you Isaac! I'll add Greb to my to do list. Would be difficult to make a mini doc of him though because of the lack of footage. He might have to featured in another fighters video, Gene Tunney's perhaps.

[@isaacdebebe2224]

@@RainyDayBoxing I understand Rainy Day I appreciate the effort.

[@TFB97]

Outstanding video again mate. I would love to see one on Joe Frazier or Max Baer.

[@rafaelnacha1788]

@@TFB97 Joe Frazier

[@haroldsimpson8422]

Respect for this King, it's such a tragedy how his life ended.

[@walterrussell6584]

Sam would disagree with you. He gave life everything he had and for that he was satisfied. You cant control the world you can only fight through life with everything you have and Sam did that. Thats why a hundred years later hes still an inspiration.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

Fame and praise is not what life is about. Shame you youngsters can't see this. Brainwashed generation

[@Section5_CdnIntelService]

One of Sam's nicknames was The Boston Bonecrusher and it was well deserved. He was easily the greatest P4P fighter of the 20th century and would certainly have beaten Sugar Ray Robinson or Harry Greb if he met them in his prime. The best pugilist Canada ever produced.

[@kobiecamp1134]

"Would certainly have beaten Sugar Ray Robinson"- You have just committed a sin by saying such a thing.

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

@@kobiecamp1134 Nat Fleischer only picked Sugar Ray 5th all time among middleweights. Stanley Ketchel was number 1.

[@joshuawashington481]

@@nelsonmcatee3721 That's because Robinson was a true welterweight.

[@stephenwright1476]

@@joshuawashington481 So was Langford

[@tylerrobbins8311]

I doubt he'd beat Greb, the style was bad for Langford, same reason he beat Tunney. But who can say Sam did hit harder than any other middleweight. Still a damn shame Johnson ducked Langford.

[@alexbaker2615]

That was incredible!!! For years I thought Jack Johnson was the baddest of them all, now I know different. And I have a great new hero to talk about with my customers! Thank you.

[@KINGDOM_WARRIOR56]

Most definitely one of my favorite boxers of all time. A true warrior and a champion until the end. Much love and respect Sir.