Willie Pep

September 19, 1922- November 23, 2006 was an Italian-American boxer who was better known as Willie Pep. Pep boxed a total of 1956 rounds in the 241 bouts during his 26 year career,Won 229 a considerable number of rounds and fights even for a fighter of his era. His final record was 229-11-1 with 65 knockouts. Pep, known for his speed and finesse, is considered to be one of the best fighters of the 20th century and was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, Pep was elected to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. In 1990, Pep was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame as a member of the Hall's original class. Pep, who enjoyed giving out autographs to his fans, worked there as a volunteer alongside fellow former world champion boxer and friend Carmen Basilio. As of March 2006, Pep resided at a nursing home in Connecticut, suffering from Dementia pugilistica, before his death on November 23, 2006. He is buried in Rocky Hill, CT. He has two children William"Billy"Papaleo and Mary Papaleo Both reside in Wethersfield Ct