Sam Langford vs Rocky Marciano

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 10:45

talk about one of the better all time heavyweight matchups. who do you take amongs these giants of ring legends?

5'7 180lb 75" reach Sam Langford 1911
http://coxscorner.tripod.com/Images/langford.jpg

vs

5'11 185lb 67" reach Rocky Marciano 1953
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icwal ... EC0000.jpg

Crease · Post by **Crease** » 11 Apr 2006, 11:35

I myself fancy Marciano.

It is one of those rare occasions where Rocky is actually taller then his opponent... So I can't see ditance and height being an issue here.

Now, don't get me wrong, Langford has got a firm punch, but I think Rocky punches harder...

Marciano KO rd 9.

sockdolager · Post by **sockdolager** » 11 Apr 2006, 12:04

Yeah Rocky might be too tough a HW for Langford to handle. Langford wouldnt be able to withstand the barrage of shots from Marciano.
Marciano KO 6.

this may seem like I am totally underestimating Langford, but in 1911 he was only around 160-170 Lbs. Marciano would be huge compared to him.

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:49

Crease wrote:I myself fancy Marciano.

It is one of those rare occasions where Rocky is actually taller then his opponent... So I can't see ditance and height being an issue here.

Now, don't get me wrong, Langford has got a firm punch, but I think Rocky punches harder...

Marciano KO rd 9.

A "firm" punch? "Rocky punches harder"??*LMAO!* You and Decagon know very little about Sam Langford.

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:51

sockdollanger wrote:Yeah Rocky might be too tough a HW for Langford to handle. Langford wouldnt be able to withstand the barrage of shots from Marciano.
Marciano KO 6.

this may seem like I am totally underestimating Langford, but in 1911 he was only around 160-170 Lbs. Marciano would be huge compared to him.

Harry Wills was about 6'3 and 220 lbs. A past-prime Langford ko'd him with a single punch.

Same with George Godfrey.

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:56

Nero3000 wrote:
sockdollanger wrote:Yeah Rocky might be too tough a HW for Langford to handle. Langford wouldnt be able to withstand the barrage of shots from Marciano.
Marciano KO 6.

this may seem like I am totally underestimating Langford, but in 1911 he was only around 160-170 Lbs. Marciano would be huge compared to him.
Harry Wills was about 6'3 and 220 lbs. A past-prime Langford ko'd him with a single punch.

Same with George Godfrey.

godfrey was horribly green when he fought langford though, but i agree about wills

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:57

Nero3000 wrote:
Crease wrote:I myself fancy Marciano.

It is one of those rare occasions where Rocky is actually taller then his opponent... So I can't see ditance and height being an issue here.

Now, don't get me wrong, Langford has got a firm punch, but I think Rocky punches harder...

Marciano KO rd 9.
A "firm" punch? "Rocky punches harder"??*LMAO!* You and Decagon know very little about Sam Langford.

why is it funny to suggest rocky punched harder? u do know he was one of the p4p hardest hitters in boxing history

- i dont know who punched harder, both were all time hitters. but to laugh at rocky's power is ridiculous

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:59

BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:
Nero3000 wrote:
sockdollanger wrote:Yeah Rocky might be too tough a HW for Langford to handle. Langford wouldnt be able to withstand the barrage of shots from Marciano.
Marciano KO 6.

this may seem like I am totally underestimating Langford, but in 1911 he was only around 160-170 Lbs. Marciano would be huge compared to him.
Harry Wills was about 6'3 and 220 lbs. A past-prime Langford ko'd him with a single punch.

Same with George Godfrey.[/quo

godfrey was horribly green when he fought langford though, but i agree about wills

True, but Langford was terribly old(19th year as a pro!!)

Grimm · Post by **Grimm** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:03

Nero3000 wrote:
Crease wrote:I myself fancy Marciano.

It is one of those rare occasions where Rocky is actually taller then his opponent... So I can't see ditance and height being an issue here.

Now, don't get me wrong, Langford has got a firm punch, but I think Rocky punches harder...

Marciano KO rd 9.
A "firm" punch? "Rocky punches harder"??*LMAO!* You and Decagon know very little about Sam Langford.

I think it is you my friend that knows very little about Marciano.

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:04

BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:
Nero3000 wrote:
Crease wrote:I myself fancy Marciano.

It is one of those rare occasions where Rocky is actually taller then his opponent... So I can't see ditance and height being an issue here.

Now, don't get me wrong, Langford has got a firm punch, but I think Rocky punches harder...

Marciano KO rd 9.
A "firm" punch? "Rocky punches harder"??*LMAO!* You and Decagon know very little about Sam Langford.

why is it funny to suggest rocky punched harder? u do know he was one of the p4p hardest hitters in boxing history

Yes he was, but I'll let the record speak for itself. Langford was such a horrifying puncher that he was the most feared man in boxing for years and years. He was avoided like the plague. Even Harry Greb- not known to back down from a challenge- laughed and said "Do you want me to commit suicide?" when Langford's name came up as a possible opponent.

There is absolutely no contest here guys.

Any boxing historian that knows anything about Langford is weeping with laughter right now.

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:05

Grimm wrote:
Nero3000 wrote:
Crease wrote:I myself fancy Marciano.

It is one of those rare occasions where Rocky is actually taller then his opponent... So I can't see ditance and height being an issue here.

Now, don't get me wrong, Langford has got a firm punch, but I think Rocky punches harder...

Marciano KO rd 9.
A "firm" punch? "Rocky punches harder"??*LMAO!* You and Decagon know very little about Sam Langford.
I think it is you my friend that knows very little about Marciano.

Yeah. You're right. Nevermind that they show his fights over and over on ESPN classic and that I own about 10 of them.

Good catch Grimm....

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:08

Nero3000 wrote:
BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:
Nero3000 wrote: Harry Wills was about 6'3 and 220 lbs. A past-prime Langford ko'd him with a single punch.

Same with George Godfrey.[/quo

godfrey was horribly green when he fought langford though, but i agree about wills

True, but Langford was terribly old(19th year as a pro!!)

ill take 19 years of experience over a pro debut fighter any day

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:12

well the question is who hit harder, rocky's suzieQ overhand right or langfords left hook. we know rocky was the bigger and stronger of the two, but size doesnt equal power.

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:15

BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:well the question is who hit harder, rocky's suzieQ overhand right or langfords left hook. we know rocky was the bigger and stronger of the two, but size doesnt equal power.

Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:27

Nero3000 wrote:
BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:well the question is who hit harder, rocky's suzieQ overhand right or langfords left hook. we know rocky was the bigger and stronger of the two, but size doesnt equal power.
Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.

ur wrong,

the pre 1954 marciano was a devastating one punch KO artist. however goldman tinkered with his style and marciano lost some power because of it which is why in his later fights, he knocked guys out with attrition.

make no mistake about it, the pre 1954 marciano was a devastating one punch KO artist who knocked guys out with 1 or 2 punches....

rex layne
jersey joe walcott
joe louis
harry kid mathews

all were knocked out by 1-2 punches

too bad we dont have marcianos early fights on tape. he probably scored some devastating knockouts.

rex layne took bob satterfields best punches, but one marciano right hand sheered laynes front teeth off at the nubs and made layne do a delayed reaction before falling to the ground OUT COLD!

Grimm · Post by **Grimm** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:32

Nero3000 wrote:
BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:well the question is who hit harder, rocky's suzieQ overhand right or langfords left hook. we know rocky was the bigger and stronger of the two, but size doesnt equal power.
Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.

How many times have you seen Langford knock somebody stiff?

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:35

Grimm wrote:
Nero3000 wrote:
BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:well the question is who hit harder, rocky's suzieQ overhand right or langfords left hook. we know rocky was the bigger and stronger of the two, but size doesnt equal power.
Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.
How many times have you seen Langford knock somebody stiff?

Well, there's only a few films of him that exist(I own 2 of them) so not too many times. I guess that means it never happened, right?

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:35

we cant penalize langford for the lack of film. make no mistake about it LANGFORD COULD BANG!

surf-bat · Post by **surf-bat** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:36

BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:
Nero3000 wrote:
BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:well the question is who hit harder, rocky's suzieQ overhand right or langfords left hook. we know rocky was the bigger and stronger of the two, but size doesnt equal power.
Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.
ur wrong,

the pre 1954 marciano was a devastating one punch KO artist. however goldman tinkered with his style and marciano lost some power because of it which is why in his later fights, he knocked guys out with attrition.

make no mistake about it, the pre 1954 marciano was a devastating one punch KO artist who knocked guys out with 1 or 2 punches....

rex layne
jersey joe walcott
joe louis
harry kid mathews

all were knocked out by 1-2 punches

too bad we dont have marcianos early fights on tape. he probably scored some devastating knockouts.

rex layne took bob satterfields best punches, but one marciano right hand sheered laynes front teeth off at the nubs and made layne do a delayed reaction before falling to the ground OUT COLD!

A prime Marciano koing Rex Layne(who he was clobbering) with one shot and an old Sam Langford knocking out Harry Wills(who was clobbering HIM) with one shot is a very different thing.

BrocktonBlockbuster49 · Post by **BrocktonBlockbuster49** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:42

Nero3000 wrote:
BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:
Nero3000 wrote: Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.
ur wrong,

the pre 1954 marciano was a devastating one punch KO artist. however goldman tinkered with his style and marciano lost some power because of it which is why in his later fights, he knocked guys out with attrition.

make no mistake about it, the pre 1954 marciano was a devastating one punch KO artist who knocked guys out with 1 or 2 punches....

rex layne
jersey joe walcott
joe louis
harry kid mathews

all were knocked out by 1-2 punches

too bad we dont have marcianos early fights on tape. he probably scored some devastating knockouts.

rex layne took bob satterfields best punches, but one marciano right hand sheered laynes front teeth off at the nubs and made layne do a delayed reaction before falling to the ground OUT COLD!
A prime Marciano koing Rex Layne(who he was clobbering) with one shot and an old Sam Langford knocking out Harry Wills(who was clobbering HIM) with one shot is a very different thing.

ok wut about marciano knocking out jersey joe walcott out COLD with perhaps the greatest punch in history. walcott is most likely better than harry wills. i rate both in my top 20.

old langford? 31 year old langford still had his full power in 1914 when he flattened wills. one thing to remember, harry wills was still a bit green when he fought langford in 1914 yet he beat sam. sam wasnt that far gone in 1914,

i dont think wills-langford compares to the marciano-walcott knockout

Grimm · Post by **Grimm** » 11 Apr 2006, 16:44

Nero3000 wrote:
Grimm wrote:
Nero3000 wrote: Rocky was a guy who usually clubbed you into submission. Langford usually knocked you stiff with a single punch.
How many times have you seen Langford knock somebody stiff?

Well, there's only a few films of him that exist(I own 2 of them) so not too many times. I guess that means it never happened, right?

No.

It means you don't know anything about Langford knocking anybody stiff with one punch KO's.

By his record we can tell he could punch.

Ko's are still Ko's and back then it took a hell of a lot for them to stop the fight so yes he could punch.

But like Marciano?

That's another story.

dr_devious · Post by **dr_devious** » 11 Apr 2006, 17:31

Close one to call. Both Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore gave Rocky tough fights, I'm inclined to think that Langford would have done at least as well, probably better. But I wouldnt write off the Rock, its not one of those fights were hed be at a huge disadvantage against a much bigger man, almost a 50:50 fight, if it were a 3 fight series could go 2:1 either way.

theone · Post by **theone** » 11 Apr 2006, 19:08

Marciano destroys Langford. The fact that Langford fought so well in so many weight classes demonstrates how much better boxing became in later years.
You'll never see anyone do what Langford did because it just cant be done anymore.

The Great John L · Post by **The Great John L** » 11 Apr 2006, 19:20

theone wrote:Marciano destroys Langford. The fact that Langford fought so well in so many weight classes demonstrates how much better boxing became in later years.
You'll never see anyone do what Langford did because it just cant be done anymore.

Not sure I agree with that statement. Lets see, Toney is a 37 year old fat middleweight and he can beat, or at least hold his own with any HW today. I know Langford started out in the 130's, but I beleive that most of his early fights were fought at WW, so there isn't much diffeence between Lanfords rise and Toneys rise. And you can also add Roy Jones who probably could have beaten a few other modern ranked HW's in addition to Ruiz.

The Great John L · Post by **The Great John L** » 11 Apr 2006, 19:24

BrocktonBlockbuster49 wrote:walcott is most likely better than harry wills. i rate both in my top 20.

Not sure I agree with that statement. You might want to look at Wills record again, because he had a pretty amazing run. I do agree that the Rock would probably be too much for Lanford, but certainly there's more to the matchup than just size and punching power which seems to be what everybody's discussing here. Most likely Langford would have put some hurt on the Rock before Rocky could wear him down and stop in the later rounds of what I think would have been a pretty entertaining fight.

Skill and ring smarts against sherr will and determination. In this matchup I'll take the will and determination.