NEW BOXING STAR

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 37, 6 November 1937, Page 14

NEW BOXING STAR

S0N OF A DOCTOR hardest hitter seen in rrltaln for years A FUTURE WORLD CHAMPION? Pugilism's most glittering prizes, world-wide fame and a huge fortune, are within reach of handsome Jack Langford, dark-haired son of a Newcastle doctor, states an English exchange. Langford, who is 22 years old, has an Opportunity fpr which many a young man would give much. What he makes of that chance, what the futUre holds for him, depends on Langford's big fists and the waliop he packs in either hand. He has physique, courage, ambition, a righ hook that i dynamite, ahd last, but by no means '.east, the backing of the London Stadium Club, most ininfluential sporting" organisation in the country. The committee have been so lmpressed by Langford's promise that they have taken him under their wing, just as they did Jack Petersen at the beginning of his career. Wilfred Smith, big fight referee, who discovered him, believes that Langford is a future world champion. It is said that he is the hardest-hitting heavyweight Britain has seen in years. But for Smith he would never have been heard of, would to-day have been Still at his old job as dairy supervisor. Langford's doctor father wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, but medicine has never interested him. "I went off and sold electric signs for a time," said Langford, in an interview. "Then I thought I would like to try my hand at fighting. A Soft; Job. "I spent nine months learning the game from Bombardier Billy Wells. When I started to fight I loved it, but I had no time for some of the people mixed up in the business. Finally, after I had badly damaged my right thumb, I quit, disgusted. I got a .job, a soft job, with a ehain of dairies, and within & few months my weight ran up to 17 stone. It was then I ran into Mr. Smith by accident. He told me I was a fool to give up boxing and said I should have another crack at making a name for myself. I .took a heavy job driving a big lorry to get my weight down. Now I'm 14st, 71b. and fighting fit. I think I have a grand chance, but 'm not boasting or making prophecies. All I can do is my best." Langford is to be brought along slowly, just as Petersen was in his early days. His expenses will be paid, he will get free training and coaching and regular fights at the club until he is ready for bigger things. Some day he may vvear the erown now resting on Louis' black brow.* If determination counts for anything he will, for Jack Langford, pugilism's ' white-haired boy, is desperately keen j to show his father that he wasn't ' wrong when he. tur&ed his back on a "wflaLmMfc- •