BOOK REVIEW 
Tracy Callis
SAM LANGFORD
By Clay Moyle
 

Clay Moyle has published the most definitive biography of Sam Langford ever presented. The work is a very interesting read about "Boxing's Greatest Uncrowned Champion." The product of extensive research, it is loaded with many rare details and excellent photographs. Sources for the facts are thoroughly documented. The book is well-written and is a smooth blend of boxing information and goings-on in Sam's life.

In the book, Mr. Moyle, with a sharp eye for detail, covers the life journey of Sam from his early days to his last, though not in exact chronological order, ever in pursuit of the title he never got the chance to win. Personal incidents in Sam's life, descriptions of his ring battles and surrounding events as well as the likes and dislikes of this great fighter are included.

Entire chapters are devoted to Sam's encounters with Joe Gans, Joe Walcott, Jack Johnson,
Iron Hague, Stan Ketchel, Jeff Clarke, Sam McVea, Gunboat Smith as well as his activities in England and Australia. Additional interesting events in Langford's life are discussed in other chapters.

The great ring skills of Langford are lauded, his personality is touched upon and some of his tastes are identified - clothes, cars, cigars - and Sam is revealed to be a man who did not manage his money well.

This book is an outstanding source for facts of Sam Langford's career and life experiences, is interesting and informative and is an important read for historians and fans.

Clay Moyle resides in Edgewood, Washington and is a member of the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO). He is a collector of boxing memorabilia and books - and owns an extensive collection of over 3,000 titles. Clay has a personal website, www.prizefightingbooks.com.

This very detailed book (ISB: 978-1-934733-02-8 , 430 pages , $29.95) can be ordered from Bennett & Hastings Publishing, Seattle, Washington, www.bennetthastings.com
 

 
                         Sam Langford                  

Callis description --

Langford was one of the greatest fighters who ever stepped into the ring; He fought successfully in every class from lightweight to heavy, usually against larger and heavier men; During his career, he won the Heavyweight Championship of Mexico and the Heavyweight Championship of Australia

Sam was short in statue but had a long reach; He moved well, used both hands and hit with power - he was a boxer-puncher supreme; Despite (or because of) his rare skills, he never fought for a World Championship; In his later years, he went blind

Charley Rose ranked Langford as the #1 All-Time Heavyweight; Nat Fleischer ranked him as the #7 All-Time Heavyweight; Herb Goldman ranked Sam as the #2 All-Time Light Heavyweight; Langford was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1955 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990
 


Review courtesy of Tracy Callis, Historian, International Boxing Research Organization
 

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