Sandy Saddler

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 104 knockouts and was stopped only once himself, in his second professional fight, by Jock Leslie. Considered to be one of the hardest hitting featherweights, Saddler was ranked number five on The Ring magazine's list of "100 Greatest Punchers of All Time". His nephew is Grandmaster Flash.

Sandy Saddler
Saddler, circa 1951
Born
Joseph "Joey" Saddler

(1926-06-23)June 23, 1926
DiedSeptember 18, 2001(2001-09-18) (aged 75)
Statistics
Weight(s)Featherweight
Super featherweight
Height5 ft 8+12 in (174 cm)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights162
Wins145
Wins by KO104
Losses16
Draws2

Professional career

Saddler is best known for his four-bout series with Willie Pep. However, he had 93 fights prior to facing Pep.

Early career

Saddler turned Pro at Bantamweight winning his pro-debut & losing his second fight, he fought 10 more times at Bantamweight & had a record of 85-6-2 prior to facing Willie Pep, Saddler record included a loss to Phil Terranova & a Draw with Jimmy Carter

Facing 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 was the underdog & captured the title by knocking Pep down four times en route to a four-round knockout victory.[1] 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 eighth 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 several other notable opponents during his career. He knocked out future lightweight champion Joe Brown, as well as lightweight champions Lauro Salas and Paddy DeMarco. Saddler beat lightweight champion Jimmy Carter, knocked out future junior lightweight champion Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, and lost to Larry Boardman.

Professional boxing record

163 fights145 wins16 losses
By knockout1041
By decision4114
By disqualification01
Draws2
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
163Loss145–16–2Larry BoardmanUD10Apr 14, 1956Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
162Win145–15–2George MonroeTKO3 (10), 1:59Feb 13, 1956Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US
161Win144–15–2Gabriel 'Flash' ElordeTKO13 (15), 0:59Jan 18, 1956Cow Palace, Daly City, California, USRetained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring featherweight titles
160Win143–15–2Dave GallardoTKO6 (10)Dec 12, 1955Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, US
159Loss142–15–2Gabriel 'Flash' ElordeUD10Jul 20, 1955Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila, Philippines
158Win142–14–2Kaneko ShigejiTKO6 (10)Jul 8, 1955Korakuen Baseball Stadium, Japan
157Loss141–14–2Joey LopesUD10May 24, 1955Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California, US
156Win141–13–2Kenny DavisTKO5 (10), 2:57Apr 5, 1955Civic Center, Butte, Montana, US
155Win140–13–2Teddy DavisUD15Feb 25, 1955Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USRetained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring featherweight titles
154Win139–13–2Lulu PerezKO4 (10), 1:34Jan 17, 1955Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
153Win138–13–2Bobby WoodsUD10Dec 10, 1954Coliseum, Spokane, Washington, US
152Win137–13–2Ray FamechonRTD5 (10)Oct 25, 1954Palais des Sports, Paris, France
151Win136–13–2Baby Neff OrtizKO3 (10), 1:04Sep 27, 1954Nuevo Circo, Caracas, Venezuela
150Win135–13–2Jackie BlairKO1 (10)Aug 30, 1954Caracas, Venezuela
149Win134–13–2Libby ManzoTKO10 (10)Jul 5, 1954St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
148Loss133–13–2Hoacine KhalfiSD10May 17, 1954St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
147Win133–12–2Augie SalazarTKO7 (10), 1:12Apr 1, 1954Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, USBout stopped because of several cuts suffered by Salazar
146Win132–12–2Charlie SlaughterTKO4 (10), 1:20Mar 4, 1954Armory, Akron, Ohio, USSlaughter threw up his hands and walked back to his corner ending the fight
145Win131–12–2Bill BossioTKO9 (10), 2:35Apr 15, 1954St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
144Win130–12–2Tommy CollinsTKO5 (10), 2:20Mar 17, 1952Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
143Loss129–12–2Armand SavoieDQ3 (10)Mar 3, 1952Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
142Loss129–11–2George AraujoUD10Jan 14, 1952Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
141Loss129–10–2Paddy DeMarcoSD10Dec 7, 1951Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
140Win129–9–2Willie PepRTD9 (15)Sep 26, 1951Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, USRetained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring featherweight titles
139Loss128–9–2Paddy DeMarcoSD10Aug 27, 1951Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
138Win128–8–2Hermie FreemanTKO5 (10), 0:47Aug 20, 1951Toppi Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
137Win127–8–2Angel OlivieriKO5 (10), 0:30Jun 30, 1951Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina
136Win126–8–2Mario SalinasKO5 (10)Jun 22, 1951Teatro Circo Caupolicán, Santiago de Chile, Chile
135Win125–8–2Oscar FloresKO1 (12)Jun 16, 1951Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina
134Win124–8–2Alfredo PradaKO4 (12)Jun 2, 1951Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina
133Win123–8–2Harry LaSaneUD10May 5, 1951Arena, Hershey, Pennsylvania, US
132Win122–8–2Freddie HermanRTD5 (10)Apr 3, 1951Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, US
131Win121–8–2Lauro SalasTKO6 (10), 1:50Mar 27, 1951Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USCuts
130Win120–8–2Diego SosaKO2 (10)Feb 28, 1951Palacio de Deportes, Havana, CubaRetained NBA junior lightweight title
129Win119–8–2Jesse UnderwoodUD10Jan 23, 1951Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US
128Loss118–8–2Del FlanaganUD10Dec 6, 1950Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
127Win118–7–2Charley RileyMD10Nov 1, 1950Arena, Saint Louis, Missouri, US
126Win117–7–2Harry LaSaneUD10Oct 12, 1950Kiel Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, US
125Win116–7–2Willie PepRTD8 (15)Sep 8, 1950Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, USWon NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring featherweight titles
124Win115–7–2Leroy WillisRTD2 (10)Jun 30, 1950Long Beach Stadium, Long Beach, California, US
123Win114–7–2Johnny ForteKO3 (10), 1:03Jun 19, 1950Oakwood Stadium, Toronto, Canada
122Win113–7–2Miguel AcevedoTKO6 (10)May 25, 1950Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
121Win112–7–2Jesse UnderwoodPTS10Apr 29, 1950Mara's Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, US
120Win111–7–2Lauro SalasTKO9 (15), 2:15Apr 18, 1950Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, USRetained NBA junior lightweight title
119Win110–7–2Reuben DavisTKO7 (10)Apr 10, 1950Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
118Win109–7–2Luis RamosTKO3 (10), 2:40Feb 20, 1950Mutual Street Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
117Win108–7–2Chuck BurtonKO1 (10), 1:12Feb 6, 1950Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
116Win107–7–2Pedro FirpoKO1 (10)Jan 22, 1950Caracas, Venezuela
115Win106–7–2Paulie JacksonKO1 (10)Jan 16, 1950Caracas, Venezuela
114Win105–7–2Orlando ZuluetaSD10Dec 6, 1949Cleveland, Ohio, USWon vacant NBA junior lightweight title
113Win104–7–2Leroy WillisUD10Nov 7, 1949Sports Arena, Toledo, Ohio, US
112Win103–7–2Paddy DeMarcoRTD9 (10)Oct 28, 1949Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
111Win102–7–2Proctor HeinholdTKO2 (10), 2:02Sep 26, 1949McNearney Stadium, Schenectady, New York, US
110Win101–7–2Harold DadePTS10Sep 2, 1949Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, US
109Win100–7–2Alfredo EscobarTKO9 (10), 0:12Aug 23, 1949Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, US
108Win99–7–2Johnny RoweTKO8 (10), 2:53Aug 8, 1949Coney Island Velodrome, New York City, New York, US
107Win98–7–2Chuck BurtonTKO5 (10), 1:34Aug 2, 1949Wahconah Park, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, US
106Win97–7–2Gordon HouseTKO4 (10)Jul 15, 1949Long Beach Stadium, New York City, New York, US
105Win96–7–2Luis RamosKO5 (10), 1:54Jun 23, 1949Queensboro Arena, New York City, New York, US
104Win95–7–2Jim KeeryKO4 (10)Jun 2, 1949White City Stadium, London, England, UK
103Win94–7–2Ermanno BonettiKO2 (10), 1:43Apr 18, 1949Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
102Win93–7–2Felix RamirezPTS10Mar 21, 1949Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
101Loss92–7–2Willie PepUD15Feb 11, 1949Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USLost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring featherweight titles
100Win92–6–2Young FinniganKO5 (10), 2:52Jan 16, 1949Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
99Win91–6–2Terry YoungTKO10 (10), 0:37Dec 17, 1948Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
98Win90–6–2Eddie GiosaKO2 (10), 1:34Dec 7, 1948Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, US
97Win89–6–2Dennis Pat BradyUD10Nov 29, 1948Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
96Win88–6–2Tomas BeatoTKO2 (10), 2:22Nov 19, 1948State Armory, Bridgeport, Connecticut, US
95Win87–6–2Willie PepKO4 (15), 2:38Oct 29, 1948Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USWon NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring featherweight titles
94Win86–6–2Willie RoacheTKO3 (10), 1:29Oct 11, 1948Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, US
93Win85–6–2Aquilino AllenKO2 (10), 1:29Aug 22, 1948Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
92Win84–6–2Kid ZefineKO2 (10), 1:05Aug 15, 1948Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
91Loss83–6–2Chico RosaSD10Jun 29, 1948Honolulu Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii
90Win83–5–2Harry LaSaneUD10May 24, 1948Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, US
89Win82–5–2Allan TannerKO5 (10)Apr 24, 1948Swingsters Square Garden, San Nicolas, Aruba
88Win81–5–2Jose Alberto DiazTKO7 (10)Apr 17, 1948Caracas, Venezuela
87Win80–5–2Luis MonagasKO3 (10)Apr 10, 1948Caracas, Venezuela
86Win79–5–2Bobby TimpsonPTS10Mar 23, 1948Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, US
85Win78–5–2Thompson HarmonTKO8 (10), 2:02Mar 8, 1948Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
84Win77–5–2Archie WilmerPTS8Mar 5, 1948Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
83Win76–5–2Joey AngeloUD10Feb 9, 1948St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
82Win75–5–2Charley NoelPTS10Feb 2, 1948Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
81Win74–5–2Orlando ZuluetaPTS10Dec 13, 1947Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
80Win73–5–2Lino GarciaKO3 (10)Dec 5, 1947Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
79Win72–5–2Kid BarqueritoKO5 (10)Nov 9, 1947Caracas, Venezuela
78Win71–5–2Lino GarciaKO2 (?)Oct 26, 1947Caracas, Venezuela
77Win70–5–2Al PenninoTKO4 (10), 1:06Oct 13, 1947St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
76Loss69–5–2Humberto SierraSD10Oct 3, 1947Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
75Win69–4–2Angelo AmbrosanoKO2 (8), 2:55Sep 17, 1947Jamaica Arena, New York City, New York, US
74Win68–4–2Miguel AcevedoTKO7 (8), 3:00Aug 29, 1947Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
73Win67–4–2Leslie HarrisTKO5 (10)Aug 14, 1947Bader Field, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
72Win66–4–2Oscar CallesKO5 (10), 0:30Jul 26, 1947Caracas, Venezuela
71Draw65–4–2Jimmy CarterMD10Jun 3, 1947Griffith Stadium, Washington, DC, US
70Win65–4–1Melvin BartholomewUD10May 9, 1947Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
69Win64–4–1Joe BrownRTD2 (10)May 2, 1947Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
68Win63–4–1Charley 'Cabey' LewisUD10Apr 14, 1947St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
67Win62–4–1Carlos MalacaraPTS10Mar 29, 1947El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Mexico
66Win61–4–1Leonardo LopezKO2 (10)Mar 8, 1947Arena Coliseo, Mexico City, Mexico
65Win60–4–1Larry ThomasTKO2 (6), 2:59Feb 7, 1947Armory, Asbury Park, New Jersey, US
64Win59–4–1Humberto ZavalaTKO7 (10), 1:57Jan 27, 1947St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
63Win58–4–1George 'Dusty' BrownKO4 (10), 2:33Jan 20, 1947Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
62Win57–4–1Leonard CaesarKO2 (6)Dec 30, 1946Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
61Win56–4–1Luis MarquezTKO2 (6)Dec 26, 1946Jamaica Arena, New York City, New York, US
60Win55–4–1Clyde EnglishKO3 (6)Dec 9, 1946Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
59Win54–4–1Artie PriceUD10Nov 12, 1946Arena Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, US
58Win53–4–1Joe RodriguezKO3 (8)Oct 10, 1946Hamid's Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
57Win52–4–1Pedro FirpoPTS10Aug 22, 1946Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US
56Win51–4–1Dom AmorosoKO2 (10), 1:59Aug 5, 1946Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US
55Loss50–4–1Phil TerranovaUD10Jul 23, 1946University of Detroit Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
54Win50–3–1Georgie CooperTKO7 (10)Jul 10, 1946Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US
53Win49–3–1Cedric FlournoyTKO5 (8)Jun 13, 1946University of Detroit Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
52Win48–3–1Pedro FirpoPTS8Apr 25, 1946Hamid's Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
51Win47–3–1Johnny WolgastPTS8Apr 11, 1946Hamid's Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
50Win46–3–1Ralph LaSalleKO1 (6)Apr 8, 1946St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
49Loss45–3–1Bobby McQuillarUD10Feb 18, 1946Arena Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, US
48Win45–2–1Arbrie BowieKO1 (6)Jan 17, 1946Armory, Orange, New Jersey, US
47Win44–2–1Filiberto OsarioPTS6Dec 21, 1945Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
46Win43–2–1Joey MonteiroUD8Dec 14, 1945Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, US
45Win42–2–1Benny DanielsSD6Dec 3, 1945Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
44Win41–2–1Richie MiyashiroPTS6Sep 21, 1945Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
43Win40–2–1Earl MintzKO1 (8)Aug 27, 1945Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US
42Win39–2–1Bobby EnglishKO3 (8), 0:30Aug 20, 1945Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, US
41Win38–2–1Lou LangleyKO1 (6)Aug 16, 1945Fort Hamilton Arena, New York City, New York, US
40Win37–2–1Luis RiveraTKO4 (6), 2:27Jul 30, 1945Queensboro Arena, New York City, New York, US
39Win36–2–1Joey MonteiroTKO5 (6)Jul 24, 1945MacArthur Stadium, New York City, New York, US
38Win35–2–1Herbie JonesTKO3 (6)Jul 23, 1945Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37Win34–2–1Leo MethotKO1 (6)Jun 29, 1945Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
36Win33–2–1Bobby WashingtonTKO2 (6)Jun 25, 1945Fair Grounds Arena, Allentown, Pennsylvania, US
35Win32–2–1Caswell HarrisTKO2 (6), 3:00Jun 18, 1945Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, US
34Win31–2–1Chilindrina ValenciaTKO9 (10)Apr 30, 1945Arcadia Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, US
33Win30–2–1Willie AndersonTKO4 (8), 3:00Apr 20, 1945Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, US
32Win29–2–1Jimmy AllenKO1 (6)Apr 2, 1945Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
31Win28–2–1Georgie KnoxTKO4 (8), 2:48Mar 22, 1945Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, US
30Win27–2–1Joey MonteiroKO4 (6)Mar 19, 1945St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
29Win26–2–1Harold GibsonPTS6Mar 10, 1945Ridgewood Grove, New York City, New York, US
28Win25–2–1Johnny BookerTKO2 (4)Mar 8, 1945Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, US
27Win24–2–1Joey GattoTKO1 (6)Feb 19, 1945Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
26Win23–2–1Benny MayPTS6Jan 26, 1945Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, US
25Win22–2–1Joey PuigKO1 (6)Jan 22, 1945St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
24Win21–2–1Lucky JohnsonKO1 (6)Jan 15, 1945Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
23Win20–2–1Tony OshiroPTS6Jan 13, 1945Ridgewood Grove, New York City, New York, US
22Win19–2–1Midget MayoKO3 (6)Dec 26, 1944Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
21Win18–2–1Earl MintzKO2 (6)Dec 16, 1944Ridgewood Grove, New York City, New York, US
20Win17–2–1Tony OshiroTKO5 (6), 1:42Dec 12, 1944Jersey City Gardens, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
19Win16–2–1Percy Cabey LewisKO1 (6)Nov 28, 1944Jersey City Gardens, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
18Win15–2–1Manuel TorresTKO5 (6), 2:06Nov 24, 1944St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
17Win14–2–1Ken TompkinsKO1 (6)Nov 13, 1944Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
16Win13–2–1Manuel TorresPTS6Nov 11, 1944Ridgewood Grove, New York City, New York, US
15Win12–2–1Cliff SmithPTS6Aug 18, 1944Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
14Win11–2–1Georgie KnoxTKO3 (6)Aug 8, 1944MacArthur Stadium, New York City, New York, US
13Win10–2–1Al PenninoPTS6Jul 25, 1944MacArthur Stadium, New York City, New York, US
12Win9–2–1Benny SaladinoTKO3 (6)Jul 18, 1944MacArthur Stadium, New York City, New York, US
11Win8–2–1Clyde EnglishPTS6Jul 11, 1944Dexter Park Arena, New York City, New York, US
10Draw7–2–1Lou AlterPTS4Jun 23, 1944Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
9Loss7–2Lou AlterPTS6Jun 15, 1944Fort Hamilton Arena, New York City, New York, US
8Win7–1Jose Aponte TorresPTS6Jun 13, 1944Roosevelt Stadium, Union City, New Jersey, US
7Win6–1Domingo DiazPTS6May 23, 1944Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
6Win5–1Jose Aponte TorresPTS6May 15, 1944Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
5Win4–1Jose Aponte TorresPTS6May 8, 1944Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, US
4Win3–1Joe LandryKO1 (6), 2:12Apr 17, 1944Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
3Win2–1Al KingKO2 (6)Mar 27, 1944Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, US
2Loss1–1Jock LeslieTKO3 (6), 2:40Mar 21, 1944Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, US
1Win1–0Earl RoysPTS8Mar 7, 1944Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, US

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.He is the Uncle of Joseph Saddler, better known as Grandmaster Flash.Saddler died on September 18, 2001.

See also

References

Achievements
Preceded by World Featherweight Champion
October 29, 1948 – February 11, 1949
Succeeded by
World Featherweight Champion
September 8, 1950 – January 21, 1957
Retired
Vacant
Title next held by
Hogan Bassey
Vacant
Title last held by
Frankie Klick
World Super Featherweight Champion
December 6, 1949– July 20, 1959
Vacant
Vacant
Title next held by
Harold Gomes