Though it would probably be the exception and not the rule on most peoples top ten lists, I can see Saddler squeaking his way into one. And in the broader scheme of things I can see him easily making his way into many top 15 lists. His slaughters of Willie Pep do probably do more for him then most wins in boxing history, up there with Buster Douglas' win over Tyson. Of course Saddler was a great fighter with or without Pep but my point is he might not be as known today if he hadn't fought and beaten Pep. An interesting fact, Saddler was all but impossible to beat over the course of 15 rounds. In his 16 losses he was outpointed over the distance ONCE. By Pep, in one of Pep's finest performances ever. Saddler's other decision losses were all 10 rounders. His combination of intergrating dirty fighting, durability and power were a lethal mix. Thoughts on Sandy? The fact that he was very much a hot and cold fighter who didn't bring his best to when it came to non-title fights... But on form he was a absolute terror in there.
I cannot see how Saddler can be ranked within the top 20 OAT. For me, he should be ranked in the 20-35 bracket.
Rate him where you like... The wins over Pep, Brown, Elorde, DeMarco, Famechon, DeMarco, Carter, Zulueta are all fantastic. Won 2 titles back in the days when it wasn't so easy to bounce up and down the weights. Also I think he retired as champion at both 126 and 130. Of course, everyone says it, but it's still one of my fave boxing stats: he had a 2-3 inch reach advantage on Rocky Marciano. I think he was possibly the greatest FW champion (he's certainly in the debate). Bit like a mix between Hearns and Monzon.
I think you could arguably call Saddler the best feather of all time,though for me it is Pep,best in your division could rate you as a top 4p.
Couldn't care less. Sandy Saddler is not a top 20 pound-for-pound of all-time fighter. He's maybe close to that, but he's not in there. IMO.
I respect your opinion, I just don't agree with it. I think Sandy can comfortably fit into almost any top 20 list.
I think the arguement exists for a top 20 spot, but I personally don't see it. Must be in the top 30, I think the last time I made a list I had him at #26.
Nice post. I used to have him at no.10 myself, now I've got him at no.13. Simply cut from the toughest cloth and capable of grinding just about anyone down. I think I'd favour him over any featherweight that ever lived over 15 rounds with the POSSIBLE exception of Pep. I'm not convinced that Pep would win a series with him if he was at his absolute peak. I'd say he would, but i'm in no way confident on that belief. Perhaps if I had more evidence of how Pep fought in his prime I'd think differently, but i don't have it so i can't confidently say. All I know is that Pep didn't react too well to the questions of mettle Saddler asked of him when they fought, and I'm not sure the questions asked would be easier if Pep were in his prime.