Sandy Saddler
One of the greatest fighters ever, Joseph "Sandy" Saddler was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 23 1926. He was a two time featherweight champion of the world, and also held the junior lightweight crown. Over his twelve year career (1944-1956), Saddler scored 103 knockouts. He was stopped only once in his career, in his second pro fight by Jock Leslie. His final record was 144-16-3.Professional Career
Saddler is best known for his four bout series with boxing legend Willie Pep. Pep is also regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Saddler first fought Pep on 29 October 1948. Pep was the reigning featherweight champion of the world, and boasted the unheard of record of 135-1 at the time. Saddler captured the title by knocking Pep down four times in route to a four round knockout victory.Pep then recaptured the crown on 11 February 1949 by outpointing Saddler over 15 rounds, in what is considered one of the greatest boxing exhibitions ever seen. Saddler then regained the crown on 8 September 1950 by a TKO in the eight round. Pep quit after dislocating his shoulder. The pair fought their last fight on 26 September 1951. In one of the dirtiest championship fights ever fought, Saddler won when the fight was stopped in the tenth round.Saddler fought many notable fighters during his career. In addition to defeating hall of famer Pep, he knocked out future lightweight champion Joe Brown, and also knocked lightweight champioons Lara Salas and Paddy DeMarco. Saddler drew with future lightweight champion Jimmy Carter, and knocked out future junior lightweight champion Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.After Boxing
Saddler retired from boxing in 1956 after he suffered an eye injury when the taxi he was riding in was involved in a traffic accident. Later, Saddler became a trainer and helped train the young George Foreman in the 1970's. He was ranked #5 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. Saddler died on 18 September , 2001.
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