Why was Willie Pep greater/better then Saddler?

I believe Pep was a more consistent performer with a more impressive title reign. Saddler struggled/lost to a lot of people that were beaten by Pep.

Pep won UD over Paddy DaMarco, Saddler went 1-2 against him.
Pep KO'd Charley Riley, Saddler struggled to win a majority decision against him.
Pep beat Armand Savoie, Saddler was DQ'd against him.
Pep KO'd Humberto Sierra, Saddler was knocked down and lost a decision against him.
Pep KO'd Jock Leslie, Saddler was KO'd against him. Thought to be fair it was only Saddler's second professional fight...

Then again you could probably find some examples of Saddler doing easier against opposition that Pep may have struggled with. But keep in mind that Pep was already one of the top fighters of the day in 1942 when Saddler had yet to even start his professional career.

 

Pep was far more consistent on the whole, had a much more appeasing styles, and was past his prime when Saddler fouled him out of 3 fights. He'd have always given him major trouble, but I tend to think their series may've been reversed had Pep been in his prime throughout the duration. He was winning both the third and fourth fights before being injured and/or calling it in against Saddler, and won the second fight handily by most accounts.

 

I agree.

 

This is all true, In fact I thought Riley beat Saddler. I think Sandy was a tough rugged guy but Willie was the much better fighter

 

The case for Pep would be:

Depth of resume.

Consistency vs common oponents.

Mitigating circumstances for his losses to Sadler.

 

Fa sho, fa sho.

I love being wasted and posting on ESB.

 

Pep fought Saddler post plane crash. He was lucky he was able to box, let alone walk.

 

Pep was amazing

 

Indeed

 

Power doesn't always make you better. Pep was a more complete fighter, plain and simple.