Seeing Willie Pep and Sandy Saddler in their primes, one thought always occurs to me. Great as these two featherweight were, they NEVER challenged a Beau Jack or Ike Williams for a match as they KNEW better, but when Henry Armstrong was featherweight champion he would have DEMANDED a bout with these two bigger men. There-on lies the difference between a Pep and Saddler and the immortal Hammerin Hank...What say you ?
I don't think Pep or Saddler were afraid of anyone. Just because a fighter doesn't pursue a fight with another fighter does not mean that fighter is afraid. Had they been steered to fight Jack or Williams, I'm sure they'd have done it. Armstrong was certainly not normal, not even by top 10 ATG standards. Pep, Saddler, Armstrong, Williams, and Jack all are rightfully honored at the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
What's interesting is that, on the face of it, I would expect Pep and Saddler's styles to be more suitable for moving up and battling bigger men.
