Sandy Saddler

Statistics
Real name	Joseph "Joey" Saddler
Rated at	Lightweight
Height	5 ft 8.5 in (1.74 m)
Reach	70 in (177.8 cm)
Nationality	American
Birth date	23 June 1926(1926-06-23)
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts
Death date	18 September 2001 (aged 75)
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	162
Wins	144
Wins by KO	103
Losses	16
Draws	2
No contests	0

Joseph "Sandy" Saddler (June 23, 1926 – September 18, 2001) was an American boxer born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a two-time featherweight world champion, 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 second pro fight, by Jock Leslie. His final record was 145-16-2. In 2003, he was ranked #5 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

[edit] Professional career

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 handed Pep his first defeat, and captured the title by knocking Pep down four times en route to a four-round knockout victory.

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,^{[citation needed]} Saddler won when the fight was stopped in the tenth round.

Saddler fought many 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.

[edit] After boxing

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.

Saddler died on September 18, 2001.

[edit] External links

• International Boxing Hall of Fame Bio
• Professional boxing record for Sandy Saddler from Boxrec