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When it came to “hit and don’t get hit” approach to boxing, Willie Pep had no equal. That was how he earned his “Will o’ the Wisp” alias. And that, essentially, was how he won 95 percent of his career fights. It must be remembered that boxing rules adopted in 1929 recognized the value of defense in boxing. The rules stated, among other things, that
“Defensive work is relatively important and points should be given for cleverly avoiding or blocking a blow.” After turning professional in 1940 at age 18, Pep stormed to 63 straight wins. That win streak included the Featherweight title bout against Chalky Wright on November 20, 1942.
After losing a non-title bout against Sammy Angott in 1943, Pep charged back with another 73 straight wins in 5 years (from 1943 to 1948), halted only by a solitary draw in 1945 against Jimmy McAllister.
From his pro debut in July 25, 1940 until 1948, Pep had already fought 138 times-winning all of them except on three occasions (2 losses and 1 draw)-for an average of 23 fights in a year.
Pep was a two-time featherweight champion. He held the title from 1943 to 1948, and then from 1949 to 1950. During the more than six years that he was champion, he defended his crown against the best fighters in the division during this period.
Aside from Wright, he has fought and outclassed Sal Bartolo, Phil Terranova, Eddie Compo, Charley Riley, and Ray Famechon, among others. But Pep had a Waterloo in Sandy Saddler. The first time he lost his title, it was to Saddler. He regained it though in a rematch some 5 months later. In the third of what would become a 4-bout match-up, Pep lost the championship again to Saddler. In 1951, both great fighters met again inside the ring. The championship was at stake and Pep was out to reclaim it. But Saddler was emphatic in his defense, imposing his mastery over Pep with a ninth-round knockout win.
Pep was active as a prizefighter for 11 more years after losing his crown. He remained competitive for most of these years, although most of his 11 career losses happened during this span of time.
He contemplated retirement in 1959 and did not see ring action until 1965. He celebrated his return to boxing with 9 straight wins in 1965. But time had slowed him down and, unlike in his early years as a boxer, could not keep one more unbeaten streak much longer. On March 16, 1966, he battled and lost to Calvin Woodland by unanimous decision in 6 rounds. That would be his last fight. After 241 bouts in 22 years as a prizefighter, Pep retired for good.
He remained actively involved in the sport, however. After he retired from boxing, Pep tried his hand as a boxing referee. He also became the Deputy Commissioner for Boxing of Connecticut.
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Kurt Shields