Who is the greatest ever Featherweight?

[Master]

Sandy Sadler

I agree with this one Sandy manhandled Pep like he was his bitch in most of the fight's. Except the one were Pep ran and ran, tap and tap his way to victory.

Sandy Saddler easily the best so far.

Joseph "Sandy" Sadler was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 23, 1926, and died on September 18, 2001. He was a two-time featherweight world champion, and also held the junior lightweight crown. Over his twelve-year career (1944-1956), Sadler scored 103 knockouts. He was stopped only once, in his second pro fight, by Jock Leslie. His final record was 145-16-2.

Saddler is best known for his four-bout series with boxing legend Willie Pep. The two first faced off on 29 October 1948. Pep was the reigning featherweight champion of the world, and coming into the fight boasted a record of 134-1-1. Pep had not lost since Sammy Angott beat him by decision on 3 March 1943, a span of 74 fights. Sadler captured the title by knocking Pep down four times en route to a four-round knockout victory. Pep then recaptured the crown on 11 February 1949 by outpointing Saddler over 15 rounds, in what is considered one of the greatest boxing exhibitions ever seen. Sadler regained the crown on 8 September 1950 by a TKO in the eight round. Pep quit after dislocating his shoulder. The pair fought their last fight on 26 September 1951. In one of the dirtiest championship fights ever fought, Sadler won when the fight was stopped in the tenth round. Sadler fought many other notable opponents during his career. He knocked out future lightweight champion Joe Brown, as well as lightweight champions Lara Salas and Paddy DeMarco. Sadler beat lightweight champion Jimmy Carter, knocked out future junior lightweight champion Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, and lost to Larry Boardman.

[ICB]

True ..... but only in something like Nelson's 15th fight (and I think he may have been a late substitute)?

Yes he was your correct but as i have said time and time again, theres no way Azumah Nelson fought like a 15 pro fight novice. He was superb that night and was on par with Salvador Sanchez all the way.

Just like when Tim Witherspoon fought Larry Holmes, with little experience. He no way fought live a novice he looked like an experienced skilled fighter in there, as did Azumah Nelson and he was pretty even with Salvador Sanchez as i said.

Until Salvador Sanchez came out roaring stopping him in the last round, but i also don't feel we see the best of Salvador Sanchez either. So i don't think either man was in the absolute peak.

A rematch would of been special though as would Salvador Sanchez vs Wilfredo Gomez 2. But one of my favorite Azumah Nelson fights has to be his fight with Wilfredo Gomez, that truly was a special fight.

[WelshDevilRob]

Jim Driscoll

[THE THIRD MAN]

Salvador Sanchez is the standout for me, with wins over Azumah Nelson and Wilfredo Gomez. Who knows where he would have gone had he lived, he wouldn't have turned 30 until 1989 so Pernell Whitaker may not have been a Lightweight Champ?

Willie Pep and Sandy Saddler fill 2 and 3 positions on my list.