BoxRec

Willie Pep (Managed by Deadendgeneration)



Accolades:
Highest Ranking: Fifth
Original IBO Champion

Unified Honours:
Unified the Lonsdale and WBC Title in Week 28.
Unified ALL Four World Titles in Week 30.

Individual Titles:
X2 time WBC Champion (Weeks 16, 28)
x1 time WBA Champion (Week 30)
x1 time WBO Champion (Week 30)
x1 time IBF Champion (Week 30)
X1 time IBO Champion (Week 7)

NOTE: Please post a comment to bring clarity during the voting process.

YES...............................NO
................................CREASE

NO.

I realise that Pep might be the favourite for the Hall, and my choice might be controversial, but I don't think Pep deserves a place in the Hall. And here's why:

As the season draws to a close Pep was the true Undisputed Champion and defeated Tunney - much to his credit. At that point Pep was the top guy of the season.

However, other fighters have had stints as "the top guy" - Benny Leonard has a good reign at the beginning of the season, then Joe Louis took over the mantle by unifying two of the belts.... Then later Robinson had a great run....

I don't think that Pep should get in just because he happened to have his time in the spotlight as the season ended, in that case: Wuld we be saying Leonard or Louis get in if we finished the season during their time as the top guy?

PS. And I would also note that Pep's case is somewhat parallel to that of Joe Frazier last season - both guys weren't the dominant fighters, but they ended the season's as the champion.
And remember - Frazier didn't get in.

Yes

AbsoPhukingYesly

He held the Lonsdale title the longest, and was the ONLY fighter to unite ALL TITLES and push back the "best of the best" at season's end.

His timing was spectacular and did nothing less than add a phenomenal lustre to his unparalleled achievement.

Willie Pep, defined grace under pressure. His season was a beautiful thing including both timing and execution.

This guy is my HOF nomination.

OFFICIAL VERDICT: YES

Congratulations to Willie Pep, he will be added to the HOF on this very day.