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Sam Langford
(1886-1956)
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Nova Scotia has produced many of Canada’s finest boxers. Sam Langford, born in Weymouth Falls, is still considered one of the finest heavyweight boxers to ever live.
After moving to the United States at the age of 14 and fighting out of Massachusetts, he was known as the Boston Terror. He was never given a chance to fight for the world title as he was considered too good. This led to his being called the unofficial World Champion. Langford did however hold the titles of England, Spain and Mexico to go along with his impressive record. In 1906 he fought American Jack Johnson who shortly thereafter became the first Black to hold the title of World Heavyweight Champion.
In the years between 1902 - 1923, Langford is believed to have had approximately 642 fights. Small in stature at 5"6' and weighing 162 pounds, he consistently fought against larger men. An injury in 1917 caused him to lose the sight in his right eye, and led his manager to suggest he give up boxing. A proud man, Langford refused and continued until he was totally blind seven years later.
