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Suggest pagesSandy Saddler
| Sandy Saddler | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Joseph "Joey" Saddler |
| Rated at | Lightweight |
| Height | 5 feet 8.5 inches (1.740 m) |
| Reach | 70 in (177.8 cm) |
| Nationality |  American |
| Born | 23 June 1926 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | 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 144-16-2. 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 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,[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.
In 1990, Saddler was inducted into the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Saddler died on September 18, 2001.
