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Sam Langford (b ~1883 - d. 1956) is considered the
greatest fighter to never hold a world title. 
Langford was originally from Weymouth Falls, a
small community in Nova Scotia, Canada. Known as
the "Boston Bonecrusher" or the "Boston Tar Baby,"
 Langford stood only 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) and
weighed 150 lb (68 kg) in his prime. He fought
greats from the lightweight division right up to
the heavyweight|heavyweights, beating many
champions in the process. However, due to several
factors, he was never able to secure a world title
for himself.  

The primary reason for this was boxing's "color
line," the unspoken glass ceiling that hampered
blacks from advancing in boxing from the time of
Sullivan to the rise of Louis. Age, size,
experience, or any combination of the three were
considered requisite in order for black fighters
to secure important title fights against their
white counterparts. A black fighter of Langford's
skill level still made good money in the ring
despite this setback, and at the height of his
prime, Langford lived the high life.

Langford spent most of his career repeatedly
fighting black boxers like Sam McVey, Battling Jim
Johnson and Joe Jeanette, who experienced similar
situations in their careers. He squared off with
Dempsey antagonist Harry Wills on 22 separate
occasions.  Langford defeated lightweight champion
Joe Gans in 1903, drew welterweight champion Joe
Walcott in 1904, lost to future world heavyweight
champion Jack Johnson (boxer)|Jack Johnson in
1906, and knocked out former light-heavyweight
champion "Philadelphia Jack O'Brien" in 1911, with
scores of contender fights in between. His last
fight was in 1926, when failing eyesight finally
forced him to retire.

Those who saw Sam said he had very fast hands,
especially his jab, and a relaxed defensive style.
He was considered flashy. One story characterizing
his career involved Langford walking out for the
8th round and touching gloves with his opponent.
"What's the matter, Sam, it ain't the last round!"
said his mystified opponent. "Tis for you son,"
said Sam, who promptly knocked his opponent out.

Langford eventually went completely blind and
ended up penniless, living in Harlem, New York
City. In 1944, a famous article was published
about his plight and money was donated by fans to
Langford's situation.

Langford was enshrined in the Ring Boxing Hall of
Fame in 1955. He died a year later in Cambridge,
Mass., where he had been living with his
daughter's family.