EBOOK
About
Sam Langford was a fighter his whole life-inside and outside of the ring. Born in the small town of Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest boxers of all time to never hold a world title-not by a lack of drive or talent but from the harsh realities of systemic racism and the notorious "colour line" that segregated Black athletes during the early twentieth century. Denied the opportunities he deserved, Sam's incredible true story is defined by a relentless pursuit of glory, justice, and survival-often at great personal cost, not just to himself but to those who loved him.
From the roaring crowds of fight nights to the quiet reckonings of his twilight years, Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story is a gripping biographical drama that reveals the man behind the legend, reclaiming his rightful place in history. More than a story about boxing, it's a celebration of resilience, humanity, and the unbreakable bonds that endure through sacrifice and redemption.
• Sampson's original motivation to write a play came from his experiences as an actor and he was hungry for more narratives about the great African Canadian figures of history.
• Jacob grew up in a family that loved the sport of boxing, instilled in him by grandfather and father.
• First produced by Ship's Company Theatre in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, in 2016.
Sam Langford, born in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of boxing's all-time greats, despite never holding a world title. Racism and the notorious "colour line" denied him the opportunities he rightfully deserved, but his relentless pursuit of glory defined his incredible life and enduring relationships. Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story is a gripping biographical drama that reveals the man behind the legend, celebrating his resilience and humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.
"Jacob Sampson's work will draw you into a deeply and beautifully-spun story which never feels cliché or overdone . . . It is a hard-hitting show that stays with you after it's done."
"In boxing terms, it's a knockout."
From the roaring crowds of fight nights to the quiet reckonings of his twilight years, Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story is a gripping biographical drama that reveals the man behind the legend, reclaiming his rightful place in history. More than a story about boxing, it's a celebration of resilience, humanity, and the unbreakable bonds that endure through sacrifice and redemption.
• Sampson's original motivation to write a play came from his experiences as an actor and he was hungry for more narratives about the great African Canadian figures of history.
• Jacob grew up in a family that loved the sport of boxing, instilled in him by grandfather and father.
• First produced by Ship's Company Theatre in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, in 2016.
Sam Langford, born in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of boxing's all-time greats, despite never holding a world title. Racism and the notorious "colour line" denied him the opportunities he rightfully deserved, but his relentless pursuit of glory defined his incredible life and enduring relationships. Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story is a gripping biographical drama that reveals the man behind the legend, celebrating his resilience and humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.
"Jacob Sampson's work will draw you into a deeply and beautifully-spun story which never feels cliché or overdone . . . It is a hard-hitting show that stays with you after it's done."
"In boxing terms, it's a knockout."