Boxing records can not always define how good a boxer was, however, they are one of the most significant elements of the sport.
From Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0, to Rocky Marciano retiring as the only undefeated heavyweight champion, some fighters have records that are strongly associated with them. However, some of the greatest fighters of all time have losses on their record, such as Muhammad Ali, and Manny Pacquiao.
With exceptions such as Roberto Duran and Julio Cesar Chavez, one of the greatest Mexican boxers ever, not many fighters exceed 100 professional fights.
However, one fighter had well more than 200 fights.
Willie Pep had 241 professional fights across 26 years
Willie Pep made his professional boxing debut in July 1940. 26 years later, the American would retire with a professional record of 229-11-1.
During his incredible career, he would become the featherweight world champion, as well as scoring 65 knockouts over the course of his career.
Making his debut at the age of 17, Pep would have his last professional outing at the age of 43. In his final career appearance, he would lose via unanimous decision to Calvin Woodland.
However, losing was not a habit of Pep’s. Over the course of his career, he went on two amazing unbeaten streaks to help develop his incredible record.
Willie Pep went on 62-fight and 73-fight unbeaten streaks
Going on a winning streak in boxing is an impressive feat in itself. However, as a fighter may reach 10, 20, or even 30 fights unbeaten, it is considered a huge achievement.
As for Pep, he went on unbeaten streaks that would be unheard of in modern boxing.
Starting his career in 1940, he would not taste defeat until 1943, after 63 professional fights. Fighting Sammy Angott (69-17-5), Pep would suffer his first defeat via unanimous decision.
However, Pep was able to quickly return to form. Winning his next boxing match just 10 days after his first defeat, it was the start of an even longer unbeaten streak.
The second time Pep would suffer defeat was in 1948. Going into the bout with Sandy Saddler, Pep’s record was 134-1-1. However, his 73-fight unbeaten streak would be snapped by his opponent, who defeated Pep via knockout.