Willie Pep Article from 1958

[Willie Pep 229]

I thought Saddler vacated the title in ‘57 when he retired from an eye injury. He was still champion while he was in the army from ‘52–54, defended the title in ‘55. So there was a long stretch where the title was not defended.

Ok didn't know about the title being on hold for service; makes sense but for only a year and a half.

He won the title (2nd time) from Pep in fall '51 and did fight four times before being inducted spring '52. But no title defenses. (lost three oddly enough)

He is back in action January 1954 which means he is out for only 20 months.

I found the title defense in '55 - I missed that before; between separation and retirement he fought 18 times but only that one defense.

Not a very active champion - a very active fighter. Kinda old school.

His last fight is in summer '56 that must be the eye - but I suspect he milked the title for as long as he could and finally had to announce his retirement in spring '57.

Thanks for the info.