Posted on 11/24/2006 6:00:14 AM PST by lunarbicep
Willie Pep, a hall-of-fame boxer and one of the best fighters of the 20th century, has died at the age of 84.
His grandson, William P. Papaleo, confirmed Friday morning that Pep died Thursday at the West Hill nursing home, where he had been confined to an Alzheimer's unit since 2001. The embodiment of finesse and speed in his prime, the 5-foot, 6-inch Pep was 229-11 during a career that spanned 26 years.
In 1999, Pep was listed fifth among the best fighters of the 20th century as chosen by a five-member panel for The Associated Press. He was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Born Sept. 9, 1922 in Middletown, Pep dropped out of high school at age 16 to fight. He earned the nickname "Will o' the Wisp," because he was quick in the ring and hard to pin down, according to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame's Web site.
Pep won 53 consecutive fights before trumping Chalky Wright in 1942 for the world featherweight title. With the 15-round decision, Pep was the youngest boxer to earn the title in four decades.
The following year brought 63 undefeated bouts for Pep before he lost a non-title fight to Sammy Angott. Undeterred, Pep went on to win another 73 straight.
During World War II, Pep served in the Army and the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1944.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
I really liked it when Lou Gehrig took over for him at first base.
Oh. Never mind. That was Wally Pipp.
People often think those lighter weight division fighters can only compete in their weight class but a 5'6" dynamo like Pep could out fight big brawny athletes except for the most experienced and skilled of the big fellas. That 5'6" looks big when he is moving on you. I'm 6'3" and I know.
Condolences to Willie Pep's family and friends.
Willie Pep was one of the great ones. His epic battles with Sandy Saddler were after Pep was almost killed in a plane crash. I believe it was first thought by the doctors that he would never walk again.
May he rest in peace. Prayers for his family.
BUMP
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