NO 7 WILLIE PEP
Record: 229-11-1 (65 KOs)
Years active: 1940-59; 65-66
Titles won: World featherweight (twice)
Among his victims: Chalky Wright, Jackie Wilson, Sal Barloto, Manuel Ortiz, Phil Terranova, Paddy DeMarco, Sandy Saddler
Background: Legend has it that Pep once won a round without throwing a punch, so remarkable were his defensive skills. To be sure, “Will ‘o the Wisp” was born with famously quick hands and athleticism. He added sublime boxing skills shortly thereafter. The late, great trainer Emanuel Steward once said: “I used to love to see Willie Pep and Ray Robinson. To me, the epitome of a great athlete is a great boxer. I just love the rhythm of seeing a man dance, slip punches. I loved the dancers and boxers. I would see them and be mesmerized.” Pep danced his way to a record of 134-1-1 before he lost the featherweight title – which he had held for almost eight years during the 1940s and 1950 – to his great rival Sandy Saddler. That gives you an idea of his dominance during his peak. Pep retired in 1959 but came back at 43 years old in 1965, won nine straight fights, lost a six-rounder and then walked away for good. He finished with only 11 losses in 241 fights, according to Boxrec.com. That’s greatness.