When Saddler was in the army in 52-53, Bassett beat Ray Famechon for an interim version of the Featherweight championship. Ring magazine in 54 had Bassett & Saddler on it's cover and an article on what Saddler's return meant to the division (I am not aware of the content of that article). In 54' Saddler fought Perez & Famechon both of whom Bassett had beaten. Saddler did not fight for the belt untill 55 against Davis (who had beaten bassett for the interim belt), which was within 2 months of Bassett retiring from a detached retina. Yet these 2 never fought, so my questions are: 1. Was there any talk of a fight between these 2 prior to saddler going into the army (Saddler was the champ and basset was rated #3,6,6, from 50-52)???? 2. Was there any talk of Bassett vs Saddler in 54' when Saddler started fighting again, but prior to defending his belt (Bassett was rated #2)???? 3. How good of a chance would Bassett have had against Sandy had they fought between 52-54???? Who would win????
Bassett was an excellent fighter and a favourite of mine. But he fought in close and he could be pushed back. I don't much like his chances against Saddler.
There was quite a bit of talk of this fight even as Saddler's army tenure was approaching its end. It was the most sensible fight at the fight: both exciting, big punchers, both with claims to the same title. Bassett was supposed to get the next shot at Saddler once he beat Davis, but Davis upset the applecart and spoiled the fight. IMO it goes down as one of those notable "dream fights that never happened." He may have had a good one, as he was a big puncher and Saddler was slipping by this time. Still, I'd favor Saddler's craft and experience, and for the reasons McGrain said.
