Sandy Saddler
| Sandy Saddler | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Joseph "Joey" Saddler |
| Rated at |
Featherweight Super featherweight |
| Height | 5 ft 8 1⁄2 in (174 cm) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born |
June 23, 1926 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | September 18, 2001 (aged 75) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 162 |
| Wins | 144 |
| Wins by KO | 103 |
| Losses | 16 |
| Draws | 2 |
Joseph "Sandy" Saddler (June 23, 1926 – September 18, 2001) was an American professional boxer. He was a two-time featherweight world champion, having also held the super featherweight title. Over his twelve-year career (1944–56), Saddler scored 103 knockouts and was stopped only once himself, in his second professional fight, by Jock Leslie. In 2003, Saddler was ranked number five on The Ring magazine's list of "100 Greatest Punchers of All Time". His nephew is Grandmaster Flash.
Saddler is best known for his four-bout series with Willie Pep. The two first faced off on October 29, 1948. Pep was the reigning featherweight champion of the world, and coming into the fight boasted a record of 134-1-1 (43 KO). Saddler captured the title by knocking Pep down four times en route to a four-round knockout victory. This was only the second time that Pep was beaten, Sammy Angott beat him in 1943, and first time he was ever stopped in 137 bouts.
Pep then recaptured the crown on February 11, 1949, by outpointing Saddler over 15 rounds. Saddler regained the crown on September 8, 1950 by a TKO in the eight round. Pep quit after dislocating his shoulder. The pair fought their last fight on September 26, 1951. In one of the dirtiest championship fights ever fought, Saddler won when the fight was stopped in the tenth round.
Saddler fought several other notable opponents during his career. He knocked out future lightweight champion Joe Brown, as well as lightweight champions Lara Salas and Paddy DeMarco. Saddler beat lightweight champion Jimmy Carter, knocked out future junior lightweight champion Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, and lost to Larry Boardman.
Saddler retired from boxing in 1956, aged 30, after an eye injury sustained in a traffic accident. He later became a trainer and helped train the young George Foreman in the 1970s, including Foreman's first Heavyweight Championship of the World reign. In 2003, he was ranked #5 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
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