Yesterday was a big day for hardcore struggle followers as we marked the anniversary of the delivery of one among boxing’s singular abilities, the best featherweight of all-time, and a real ring unique, Willie Pep. And whereas Pep handed on to the massive squared circle within the sky again in 2006, he won’t ever be forgotten and we’re glad to reap the benefits of any excuse to pay tribute to his extraordinary expertise and ring document. When Guglielmo Papaleo lastly retired in 1960, he had amassed an incredible 229 victories in opposition to solely eleven defeats and one draw. It stays one of the crucial spectacular data in all of pugilism, testifying to Pep’s astonishing expertise.
And whereas being extremely prolific, Pep actually suffered defeat solely as soon as throughout his prime, that being by choice to the naturally greater Sammy Angott in a non-title match in 1943. He had received the world featherweight title in 1942 and would maintain it for six years earlier than shedding to fellow all-time nice Sandy Saddler. When he answered the bell for that match, his document stood at an incredible 134 wins in opposition to one draw and a single defeat. And in one of many biggest performances in boxing historical past, he regained the title from Saddler by choice the next 12 months, earlier than shedding twice extra to his legendary rival. He went on to compete for an additional decade and when he lastly retired, he was universally hailed as one of the crucial gifted and artistic artists the ring had ever seen.
Little doubt Pep’s success and astonishing longevity had a lot to do together with his ring intelligence, his talent at controlling the motion and avoiding punishment. Right here, Lee Wylie, in one other of his excellent movies, particulars how Pep’s mastery of timing, motion, footwork and in-fighting, allowed him to neutralize his opponents’ efforts, rendering them offensively ineffectual. It was such method and ring sophistication which earned Pep the nickname, “The Will o’the Wisp,” and made him a real boxing legend. Test it out:
