Date: 8th June 1943
Venue: Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts
Title: NYSAC World Featherweight Title
Willie Pep
(
66
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 126 lbs
Sal Bartolo
(
45
-
15
-
6
)
Weight: 125½ lbs
On June 8, 1943, Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts, hosted a highly anticipated rematch between reigning NYSAC World Featherweight Champion Willie Pep and local favourite Sal Bartolo. The two had previously met in a non-title bout just two months prior, with Pep emerging victorious in a closely contested affair. However, their second encounter would prove to be a far more one-sided affair, with Pep putting on a masterclass of boxing skill and technique to retain his title emphatically.
A crowd of approximately 14,000 fans packed into Braves Field to witness the title fight, generating gross gate receipts of $46,984.30 and a net of $42,713. Pep, the defending champion, entered the ring as a 2-1 favourite and was guaranteed a purse of $30,000, while Bartolo received 12½ per cent of the net gate.
From the opening bell, it was clear that Pep was in a class of his own. The champion's lightning-fast jab and impeccable footwork kept Bartolo at bay throughout the contest, frustrating the challenger's attempts to mount any sustained offence. Pep's defensive skills were equally impressive, as he consistently utilized his superior movement to evade Bartolo's attacks and maintain control of the ring.
Despite the one-sided nature of the bout, both fighters displayed remarkable stamina and durability. Pep, who had come close to scoring a knockout in their first meeting, adopted a more cautious approach in the rematch, content to outbox and outmanoeuvre his opponent rather than seeking a stoppage. To his credit, Bartolo continued trying to force the action but found himself consistently stymied by Pep's superior skills.
As the rounds ticked by, the fight's outcome became increasingly apparent. Pep won round after round with his precise jab and elusive footwork, leaving Bartolo with few opportunities to land anything significant. The Associated Press reported that the action became "monotonous long before they reached the 15th and final round," a testament to Pep's complete dominance.
In the end, all three judges scored the fight unanimously in favour of Pep, with referee Johnny Martin and judges Eddie Bradley and Joe Blumsack all seeing the champion as the clear winner. The victory marked Pep's first successful defence of his NYSAC World Featherweight Title and solidified his status as one of the sport's pound-for-pound best.
For Bartolo, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Boston native had entered the fight with high hopes, believing that he could build on the success of their first meeting and dethrone the champion in front of his hometown fans. However, he was simply outclassed by a superior boxer in Pep, who proved once again why he was considered one of the greatest technicians in the history of the sport.
The fight also served as a showcase for Pep's remarkable defensive skills. Throughout his career, the champion was known for his ability to avoid punches and make his opponents miss, a trait that earned him the nickname "Will o' the Wisp." Against Bartolo, Pep's defence was on full display, as he consistently used his footwork and head movement to slip and slide away from the challenger's attacks.
Ultimately, the Pep-Bartolo rematch may not have been the most thrilling fight of Pep's career, but it demonstrated his singular skills and technique. It was a reminder that, at his best, few fighters in any era could match his speed, reflexes, and ring generalship. For those lucky enough to witness it firsthand, it was a performance that would never be forgotten, a testament to the enduring brilliance of one of the greatest boxers ever.