I n this mythical matchup, I am matching these two phenomenal fighters at a fictional moment in time when their records and skills are at their zenith. With Willie Pep, it would be on the night of February 11, 1949, when he outpointed Sandy Saddler over 15 rounds for the featherweight championship of the world. For Naoya Inoue, it would be September 14, 2025, when he outclassed respected former unified beltholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev over 12 rounds to defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship. Pep, regarded as the greatest 126-pounder of all time, is going up against a modern-day master who has electrified the boxing world with his skills and punching power while amassing titles in four divisions. An abundance of creative license will be taken! The overall records of both fighters are different from the “zenith” versions (drastically in Pep’s case), but for dramatic purposes, Pep’s final career record and Inoue’s record to this date will be announced, and references may be made to events from any time in their careers. Also, this fight is being presented as a “mythical rematch” of a fight that took place eight months earlier in Japan, in which Inoue stopped Pep in the 10th round to win the undisputed featherweight championship. Finally, historical boxing figures from different eras will be placed in the story for your enjoyment.
Naoya Inoue Willie Pep A FANTASY FIGHT
By Ron Lipton Ron Lipton was inducted into the New York State and New Jersey Boxing Halls of Fame as a veteran pro referee, boxing historian and record-setting amateur boxer. He was a paid sparring partner to Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Dick Tiger, Carlos Ortiz and even Muhammad Ali, a lifelong friend, as well as top contenders of the 1960s. Lipton is proud to present the latest installment of his Mythical Matchup series for The Ring.
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