'An incredible fighter': New play explores life of boxer Sam Langford

One of the greatest heavyweight boxers in the world is from Nova Scotia but you've probably never heard of him.

Sam Langfordwas born in Weymouth Falls in 1883, and by the early 20th century was poised to take the top title in the sport.

But fighters refused to challenge Langford,sometimes discriminating against Langfordbecause he was black, other timesrefusingbecause they knew Langfordwould win. He never had a shot at a world championship title.

His life is the subject of the play Chasing Champions, which isbeing staged at the Ship's Company Theatre in Parrsboro August 8to 25.

'The unknown was the real attraction'

Jacob Sampson, the playwright, told CBC's Information Morning that when he stumbled acrossLangford's story it immediately captured his imagination.

"I had never heard about Sam," he said."So the unknown was the real attraction."

Sampson, who grew up an hour away from Weymouth Falls in the Annapolis Valley, said that like WWII nurse Mona Parsons or businesswomanViola Desmond, Langfordis a historically significant figure that many Nova Scotians don't know about, despite his connection to the province.

Second-greatest puncher of all time

Langfordhas been recognized elsewhere:boxing magazine The Ring named him the second-greatest puncher in the history of the sport, and ESPN has ranked him among the top ten boxers of all time.

"He was just an incredible fighter," said Sampson."Fighters like [Mike] Tyson used to watch old footage and emulate some of the things that Sam Langforddid."

Yet because racism and the economics of the sport kept him from a chance to fight for the title of world champion, Langford was denied widespread recognition. Hedied destitute in a boarding house in Harlem.

'He was still a very happy man'

Sampson is hoping the play will raise Langford's profileand reflect some of his spirit.

"When you read about fighters ducking him or hiding behind the colour line, it really gives you a picture of what the spirit of [Langford] was.

"Despite that, his spirit was still very gracious and not bitter.He was still a very happy man."

• Steven Laffoley'sbook Pulling No Punches shines light on Sam Langford