Former two-time world featherweight champion Willie Pep built one of the longest and most unusual careers in boxing history, finishing with a record of 229 wins, 11 losses and one draw between 1940 and 1966. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1990.
Pep first won the NYSAC world featherweight title in November 1942, defeating Chalky Wright by a wide decision at Madison Square Garden. He held the title for nearly six years before losing it to Sandy Saddler in October 1948, starting one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
Pep regained the championship in February 1949, again at Madison Square Garden, boxing out Saddler in their rematch. The rivalry continued with two more fights, both won by Saddler in 1950 and 1951, effectively ending Pep’s championship chapter. By the time their streak ended, Pep’s record stood at 160-3-1.
He continued fighting into his mid-40s and compiled a record of 69-7 after his final title fight. His last fight came in May 1966.
Pep was known less for power than for movement and control. He once famously won a round without getting punched. Middleweight champion Rocky Graziano once told him, “I would have knocked you out.” Pep replied, “You couldn’t hit me with a fist full of rocks.”
I met Pep in May 2019 on the stand at Blue Horizon. Even then, long after the fighting was over, he behaved like someone who had never been easy to catch.
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Last updated on 01/08/2026
