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One of the greatest fighters ever, Joseph "Sandy"
Saddler was born in Boston, Massachussetts 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.

Saddler is best known for his four bout series
with boxing legend Willie Pep.  Pep is also
regarded as one of the gretaest boxers of all
time.  Saddler first fought Pep on 10/29/48.  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 2/11/49 by
outpointing Saddler over 15 rounds, in what is
considered one of the greatest boxing exhibitions
ever seen.  Saddler then regained the crown on
9/8/50 by a TKO in the eight round.  Pep quit
after dislocating his shoulder.  The pair fought
their last fight on 9/26/51.  In one of the
dirtiest championship fights ever fought, Saddler
won when the fight was stopped in the 10th 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, drew with future lightweight champion
Jimmy Carter, and knocked out future junior
lightweight champion Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.

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 passed away on
September 18, 2001.