Very, very fair question. I look forwards to reading some answers. For my part i'll just say that i don't think he was better. DMT, or anyone else, how do you think the two would fare against each other under 2010 rules?
nos sure but Sandy would probably get disqualified when either trying to grab Pep's arms or when trying to choke him.
Haha, yeah, sort of assuming they were following the rules. I have a pet theory that Pep would thrash Saddler under a modern ruleset. Not that it impacts this thread at all, just thought i'd mention it.
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.
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.